Cynematik • Cyndi Greening

BY CYNDI GREENING, CHIPPEWA FALLS, WISCONSIN — I am back in the heartland for my niece Andra’s wedding. The weather is beautiful. Cool and refreshing. Life moves at a different pace here. Sort of a relaxed pace, glacial perhaps. After the wedding, the next most exciting thing I’ll be doing is going fishing with Daddio. Fishing is very important up here. Almost as important as family events. This is life in a small town. Family, fishing and food. So many food related activities. Picnics. Grill outs. Grammy eggs. Fruit pizza. Recipe exchange. And cheese. Cheese curds. Cheese fondue. Cheeseburgers. Four cheese pizza.

Yesterday, I went to Enterprise Rent-a-Car. I just couldn’t stand being vehicle-less. I booked the rental on Travelocity and went to the pickup point. While I’m in there, two fellas are renting a car. They’re talking about whether or not to take out the insurance. I’m a tad unfocused because I’m in a big hurry. I’m supposed to be meeting a friend for lunch and I’m already late. They’re pleasant fellows. One is quite a bit taller than the other. They smile and nod at Alec and me. Alec listens to them give their contact telephone number. “Maryland,” he says, “They’re from Maryland.”

So, in the afternoon, we go to the wedding rehearsal. Who comes walking down the path? These two fellows from Maryland. Yep, they’re Andra’s new in-laws. We end up toasting and laughing about our Enterprising meeting. This is life in a small town.