Where in Mo? (Ozark: place, snow, better)

[Curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by mrschilicook

The one thing you do not want to do is come here and then complain about what the area does or doesn't have. A few folks do seem to get a little excited about Californian's wanting to change the area by getting things like Trader Joe's.

I have to agree with everything you said. I've been priveleged to live in eight states, thanks to the miitary and schooling; a number of them more than once. I've always believed it was up to me to conform to where I was, not the other way around, and to leave a very small footprint, if any at all. Realistically, everyone who was in the state the day before I arrived will have been there longer than me.

Don't tell anyone but there are four Trader Joes' in the St. Louis area!

[ozarksboy]

Originally Posted by simplewife&mom

I completely understand how some (like ozarksboy) feel about people from urban areas moving to our hometowns and then trying to change them. It has happened and is happening here. I'm afraid if we move to southern MO, that will happen in our new hometown as well.

Hey, come on to Missouri. Specifically, come to Rolla, just as quickly as you can. This town is full of newcomers, and you'll feel right at home. There are lots of opportunities for the children, and the place is loaded with churches. We've got every flavor: Catholic, Episcopal, Presbyterian, Methodist, Assemblies of God, Church of God, Church of Christ, Church of the Nazarene, Christian Church, Lutheran Missouri Synod, Lutheran ELCA, a vast array of Baptists, United Pentecostal and a swarm of non-denominational tongue-speaking, slain-in-the-spirit, health-and-wealth-preaching charismatic churches.

We've got a bunch of organizations and voluntarism is big deal in Rolla, so if you're into tht sort of thing, there's a place for you to serve.

And you don't have to worry about holding your tongue. The favorite pastime here is griping about Rolla, so jump right on in the fray and start writing letters to the editor of the newspaper about the city council, the school board and the hospital. Go to Granny's Sawmill Cafe or Leona's Kitchen downtown, draw up a chair, and start griping about the newspaper.

Depending on what sport is in season, you can always gripe about the coaches of the high school and university team and the losing record.

People like me--that is, those who love the history of the Ozarks, the culture of the Ozarks, the rural way of life, the traditions and values of hillfolk--are in the minority. You can ignore us.

Go to this not-for-profit website, RollaNet, and explore away.

Also try the local newspaper and be sure to read the comments at the ends of the stories. They will give you a hint of what to expect.

Here's an alternative publication, the No Standing News, which refers to Rolla as the Outlaw City of the Ozarks.

And then here's my little blog, The Ozarks Almanac. It's no where near as controversial as the No Standing News or the local paper.

[Curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by ozarksboy

...and a swarm of non-denominational tongue-speaking, slain-in-the-spirit, health-and-wealth-preaching charismatic churches.

Now that's priceless! MasterCard has nothin' on you, OB.

Originally Posted by ozarksboy

...And you don't have to worry about holding your tongue. The favorite pastime here is griping about Rolla, so jump right on in the fray and start writing letters to the editor of the newspaper about the city council, the school board and the hospital.

Where do I sign-up?

Originally Posted by ozarksboy

...Go to Granny's Sawmill Cafe or Leona's Kitchen downtown, draw up a chair, and start griping about the newspaper.

Are those the Mom & Pop Cafes where the olds farts meet every mornin' to drink coffee, flirt with the waitresses, demand way too many refills, leave chinsy tips and tell lies to one another?

Originally Posted by ozarksboy

...People like me--that is, those who love the history of the Ozarks, the culture of the Ozarks, the rural way of life, the traditions and values of hillfolk--are in the minority. You can ignore us.

Thought that was a given.

[simplewife&mom]

And then here's my little blog, The Ozarks Almanac. It's no where near as controversial as the No Standing News or the local paper.

I've already got your blog in my favorites.

Not everyone who moves to rural MO desires to alter it. Many are like us, and appreciate the culture and lifestyle. We've seen what happens when our little communities are changed. The stores on Main St. aren't for the locals to shop at anymore, they're art galleries and expensive antique stores geared toward tourists. People move here from big cities and write letters to the editor complaining about neighbors burning leaves in the fall. They are shocked and surprised about it (?!) We don't like what has happened in our community, and we understand the importance of not doing that in our new hometown. We would be an asset to the great state of Missouri.

[Curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by simplewife&mom

People move here from big cities and write letters to the editor complaining about neighbors burning leaves in the fall. They are shocked and surprised about it (?!)

They're jerks! There's no other way to put it. NOTHING smells better than piles of leaves being burned in the Fall. It's something I haven't smelled since my childhood and I truly miss it.

Tell me I can still find it in MO.

[Lake Junkie]

Originally Posted by ozarksboy

People like me--that is, those who love the history of the Ozarks, the culture of the Ozarks, the rural way of life, the traditions and values of hillfolk--are in the minority.

That's me, too, o'boy...

[Inoxkeeper]

Originally Posted by Lake Junkie

That's me, too, o'boy...

Me three!!!

[STLCardsBlues1989]

If you move to a new city, you have to try to adapt.

Some Californians (no offense) would probably have gone crazy here by now. We've been snowed in for 3 days. Everything is shut down. We have power, but people just 20 miles southeast haven't had power for more than a day, and may not have power for a couple more days.

Although not just Californians. That would drive anyone crazy I think.

If you're bored, try Google Streetviewing around Missouri. that'll kill some time. You can browse St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, Jeff City, and Highway 54 through Osage Beach.

[misplaced1]

I'm in Ca. a little snow and ice doesn't bother me. Here's what a normal snow looks like for us.

[ozarksboy]

Originally Posted by simplewife&mom

I've already got your blog in my favorites.

Not everyone who moves to rural MO desires to alter it. Many are like us, and appreciate the culture and lifestyle. We've seen what happens when our little communities are changed. The stores on Main St. aren't for the locals to shop at anymore, they're art galleries and expensive antique stores geared toward tourists. People move here from big cities and write letters to the editor complaining about neighbors burning leaves in the fall. They are shocked and surprised about it (?!) We don't like what has happened in our community, and we understand the importance of not doing that in our new hometown. We would be an asset to the great state of Missouri.

Thanks for reading my little blog.

You sound like you would be an asset to our state. It's people like you, Cali Bassman, even Curmudgeon who, I think, will do well in this state.

Lots of folks on this forum leave me plumb slack-jawed. I wonder whatever happened to JakieBear, the New Yorker who bought an old house up in Laclede (town not county) online and on impulse (his own word). I don't think he'll do well fitting in here, but I could be wrong.

I feel sorry for Nexxie, the mother of a preschool son, who finds her 120-acre farm on the Gasconade boring and is pining for a mall. She's not doing well here, and I hope and pray that she'll be able to get back to the city where she belongs.

There are lots of folks who are moving here for one reason only, i.e. the price of land is cheaper than it is where they live. That is not a good enough reason to move here. They are not really wanting to become Missourians, and I do not welcome those people. They are the ones who will complain, file suit against neighbors, try to get laws passed to make changs we don't need or want.

Well, I feel a rant coming on, so I'm going to shut up.

Good luck.

Ozarks Boy