Scraps of my Life

But maybe only temporarily???

Way back in 1976, my Dad packed up Mom, Porter and I and hauled us off to North Dakota for a summer vacation. I had so much fun on that trip and remember it quite fondly. I also remember all of Dad’s stories of growing up in a small town. In 1976 I thought Carrington, ND was the place to be! I always thought that “small town” living would be the ultimate!!! I’d forgotten how neat I thought that idea was.

In 1989 I met Brian who was a transplanted North Dakotan. At that time he had no interest, whatsoever, in ever returning to ND…not even just to visit. But then he found his brother.

Being in Mott for the last two weeks has definitely reminded me of what I loved about small town living all those years ago. There is something to be said for everyone knowing one another…yes, everyone knows each other’s business, but you are much more inclined to look out for someone you know than a complete stranger! I’ve never known what it was like to not lock your front door at night. I’ve never seen people run into the grocery store and leave their car running with the doors unlocked. I’ve never driven public streets and had complete strangers wave and smile at me. There is definitely something to be said for small town living.

Then there is the effect it has had on David. He’s been outside just about all day every day…not something I feel comfortable with in Vegas…too many cars racing down the streets. He’s also got lots of opportunities in ND that aren’t an option in Vegas…like learning to ride a motorcycle and learning to ride and care for horses. The streets are so quiet, David and his Uncle went for a 2 hour dirt bike ride last night…each had their own dirt bike and David had the time of his life.

Another huge plus would be an opportunity to pull some of the equity out of our house and bank it towards retirement…something we have not considered since I was laid off. Lots of things to think about and consider…Bri wants to plan a trip to Seattle to research that avenue as well.

Ultimately, I’ve told Bri I will be happy where ever he would be happy. I suspect the pull of being by his brother will be strong and that is good, they have lots to catch up on and experience together.

So, good-bye for now, from Mott, North Dakota. population 900+, Hettinger County Seat.

Filed under: All About Pam, Family, Observations, Travel