Some of you are old enough to remember singer Mac Davis who hit the billboard charts with the song “Happiness Is Texas in my Rearview Mirror”. The song goes on to describe why he had to leave Texas. But in the end, his love of Lubbock, Texas, finally causes him to yearn to return and be buried in Lubbock, “in my jeans.”

Let’s face it, there are many who head south down Highway 83, and are perfectly fine seeing Minot in their rear view mirror. There is a myriad of reasons; the most common is the winter weather that North Dakota tends to throw at you. Sub-freezing, double digit wind chills are nobody’s favorite. I guess if I were to be one of those who was looking back at Minot for the last time, Minot’s winter weather would certainly be something I wouldn’t miss. But I would miss the other three seasons: spring, summer and fall.

Many of our friends have either purchased or rent homes down south and leave before those frigid temperatures test even those who have been born and raised in North Dakota. We get Facebook posts of them near the pool enjoying the bright sunshine and warm temps. They always seem to be smiling and are often quick to point out the difference in temperature of where they are at, versus the temperature where we are at. I get it! The weather is much colder here than where you are at. It’s OK, a choice you made.

So, let’s flip the script a bit. Everywhere, and I mean everywhere, you live there are going to be challenges. I love the weather in California where my son lives, but I absolutely hate the traffic. He loves the ocean, probably because he grew up sailing on Lake Sakakawea. Yeah, I wish we had more than four months of summer for sailing but make the most of those days while you can. My son and his wife are frequent visitors to Disneyland. I am not too keen on crowds, in fact, standing in lines is something I detest. But when you have a grandchild full of energy ready to buckle in and take on Space Mountain, you make it work.

Those who arrive at Minot Air Force Base, for the most part, have been painted a picture of frozen tundra. Wide open spaces of nothingness, and residents who do nothing for at least six months each year. Once they arrive, they soon experience the warmth and friendship of the people. They learn to experience North Dakota for what it is, not for what it isn’t. Take for example, it isn’t crowded, it isn’t as busy as living in a big city, and it isn’t uncommon to just jump in a car and go for a ride; just because.

I do understand that some folks will be happier where they are headed, and they may breathe a sigh of relief when the do see Minot in their rear view mirror. But I bet if you ask them, they will come up with several reasons they liked living in Minot. And who knows, we may see them again as they are headed back to Minot to make this their permanent home. Happiness could be in their windshield.

Best Kept Secrets
Lando Live Music Festival on July 7th & 8th at Lake Metigoshe. This is year two of this live music festival event. Best news! There is a 40% Military Discount on tickets. Grab a couple of friends and head north to Lake Metigoshe for lando LIVE!

Today’s Chuckle
Some people live life in the fast lane and some people can’t even make it to the on ramp.