What I Miss about the Mitten State

Summer Thunderstorms

Something about cooler air coming in from the Pacific Ocean makes it so that Seattle very rarely sees thunderstorms. You know the ones where you sit in your garage and watch the ominous dark clouds roll in? Where there’s an earthy smell filling the air, a sharp crack of thunder, and a steady downpour of raindrops bouncing off the roof. I miss those a lot. I used to say my favorite things were coffee, thunderstorms, and the smell of laundry, and all of those are still true. Maybe I can justify my uptake in cups of coffee per day as my way to fill the void of thunderstorms in my heart. 

Senate Coney Island

Or more generally, quality diners. Sure we have Denny’s here but there’s a big hole where a cheap and consistent coney island should exist. From the omelet and slightly too greasy hash browns, to a greek salad and warm pita, there was something so comforting about walking into Senate Coney Island, sliding into an oversized booth, and getting called darlin’ while they slide a glass of water down the table. I’m slightly nervous that if I went back to Senate the food wouldn’t hold up or it wouldn’t feel the same, but I don’t think they were going for quality anyway. Senate is for the memories, atmosphere, and consistency… whatever level that may be.

Driving

People in Seattle stink at driving. I probably haven’t lived here long enough to say that, but I will and I won’t take it back. First of all, the speed limit on the freeways is 60 mph so we’re off to a rough start. It might be logical to assume that the slower speeds would give ample time to ponder their next maneuver, maybe adjust their speed to fall in line before changing lanes, generally improving the flow of traffic. No such luck.  One of the best things when I go back to Michigan and visit family is hopping into a working (wo)man’s Ford Motor Vehicle, switching on the radio to 94.7 or 95.5 for a wave of nostalgia, zipping onto I-96, and getting passed while driving 80 in the right lane. Home sweet home. 

Friendliness 

This is a classic one but honestly I’ll bite. The little courtesy wave when someone lets you merge in front of them, the filler chit chat instead of looking at your feet in awkward silence, and just neighborly vibes in general. In my other post I mentioned how it’s refreshing to not have to be ready to be approached all the time in the PNW, but there’s also something comforting in an effortless, meaningless exchange with someone that can make your day or give you a laugh. I’ve noticed I’m almost out of practice at having light banter when I’m meeting new people or at some type of event and I feel uncomfortable. Maybe the east coast folks or southerners have it figured out?

Meijer(s) 

I grew up going to Meijer. Then I went to the mecca of Meijer’s in Grand Rapids (the one on 28th). And then… I moved to the pacific northwest. Where we have knockoff Kroger, so-so safeway, or pretentious PCC. I miss getting convenience store items, plants, food, an MSU shirt, a raft, motor oil, and potato salad all in one. Nothing like it. Meijer family, if you’re out there reading this, bring the beauty of your store out this way please — we need it.