Now that I officially live in rural Minnesota, I can't help but compare my former life in California with my new reality of small town living in Middle America. For example, when I was shopping at Walmart this afternoon, I noticed that almost all of the vehicles looked alike.You see, everyone's car is dirty here and it doesn't seem to bother the natives one hoot. Out in Southern California, a car is a definite status symbol and many people will spend a small fortune and an entire Saturday morning having their cars washed and "detailed." Read more >