Meeting a Ricochet Member in the Heartland
“Mister Tardar,” little Ella asked, “are you coming to my house?” Ella is one of three children of Ricochet Member Andrea Ryan and her husband Mike. They had come to pick me up at a truck stop not far from their home so that we could all enjoy a pleasant evening of fun, food, and conversation together. With Andrea having instructed her on proper decorum (“be sure and call him Mr. Carter”), Ella was doing an admirable job with the pronunciation for someone so young. “Mister Tardar,” she continued, “when we get to my house can we play hide and go seek?” Just precious.
While Ella sang her favorite songs, I took in the beauty of the local landscape. Lewis and Clark were in this very area. Lucky for them, they didn't have to negotiate the little road that Andrea so easily drove, which took enough twists, turns, and curves that I lost track of where we were almost instantly. Given a month of Sundays, I still wouldn't have been able to find my way out of that place with a map, flashlight and bread crumbs. My GPS would have given up and announced, “Beats the stew-beef out of me!” In some portions, the trees
overhead were thick enough as to practically form a tunnel of green foliage. This is hilly country. Looking off to my right, I couldn't make out just how far down the drop-off went, mainly because the ground was obscured by a veritable explosion of trees and lush growth. All throughout the area, gorgeous homes highlighted the landscape. These are the homes of entrepreneurs, people who produce. Over here, Andrea pointed out, was the home of a gentleman who came up with some outdoor lighting that was eventually featured on QVC, I believe. The gentleman's idea resulted in jobs for people who produce his lights, as well as for truckers who deliver them. He lives in a comfortable home, as well he should.
The Ryan family graciously welcomed me into their lovely home. Mike immediately set out to pour a glass of my favorite bourbon while I asked him about his work. A former Marine fighter pilot, Mike is now a doctor,...the poor guy. It's got to be tough not knowing what you want to do when you grow up. On a positive note, it turns out that he spent some time in Korea at the same base where I was stationed and at the same time that I was there, whereupon we began trading stories of our days in uniform. Sometime between talking about what it was like to stand alert, and reliving the story of a Marine who had too much to drink and then tried to drive a Humvee up a stairwell, dinner was ready. We ate vegetarian. No really, for our main course we actually ate a vegetarian. Thick, juicy, perfectly cooked steaks all around.
The conversation was free-wheeling and animated. For Mike and I, conservatism was something we felt and knew instinctively from early on in life. In Andrea's case, it was more of an awakening, I think. Her family having been left of center, she was basically told that Democrats care about folks and Republicans don't,...any questions? Well yes, actually, she did have questions, and the more she explored those questions the more she came to understand and embrace the idea of individual liberty and limited government. I sometimes think that those who underwent that kind of fundamental examination tend to become the most fierce advocates on the right. They are ready to be challenged by their opponents because they've already challenged themselves. Andrea and Mike are both very passionate about their beliefs and are convinced that the country needs a serious course correction.
As the evening progressed, our little roving commission on the state of the world moved to the patio. It was cigar time. Not only is Mike a doctor, but he ought to be a renowned pharmacist as well because he mixes great drinks. Andrea pointed to a long rope hanging from a tree in the back yard. It was a make-shift swing, but you had to be careful which way to run when you grab the rope so that you don't slam into the tree on the return trip. The visual image of someone swinging out one direction and then smacking themselves against the tree got me to thinking about any number of Cajun jokes, which began to flow rather easily. Jokes were traded, viewpoints exchanged, and time passed entirely too fast.
Young Will Ryan was kind enough to give up his room so I could have a place to sleep. He was also kind enough to leave me in the company of two turtles and a bearded dragon. Before retiring, I studied the critters. One turtle was busy in his shell, probably playing video games, but the other was roaming about the aquarium bumping into things. I think he must have been a New York City cab driver in a prior life because he banged his shell against the glass for the better part of the evening. For his part, the bearded dragon raised his head to have a better look at me when I approached him. Some crickets had been placed in his glass home in the event he needed some fast food. He had one eye on me and the other on a cricket. Neither of us said anything, and eventually the eye that had been watching me closed up shop. I followed suit and went to sleep.
“Mr. Tardar,” little Ella said this morning at breakfast, “can I go in your truck?”
“Well, can you drive?” I asked.
She shook her head no and giggled, but then thought about it and said, “I know how to make pizza!” So if I ever need a short order cook in the truck, I know where to go.
From my first moments on Ricochet, I've been hugely impressed with the caliber of contributors and members alike. My goal, as I travel about the country, is to meet as many of you as my schedule and routes will permit. This first foray into actually meeting one of our members was a wonderful experience, and it got me to thinking as I drove the truck out of the parking lot this morning. We often times refer to the mid-west as “fly-over country,” which rather dismissively misses the point. Any part of the country in which a young child learns at an early age to say, “Mister Tardar,” and the adult instinctively responds with “Yes Ma'am?” is not “fly-over” anything. Rather, it's the very heart of the country, and it beats strong here in the Missouri River Valley. I hope I can come back here soon.
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Comments :
Jun '10
Re: Meeting a Ricochet Member in the Heartland
Reads like a charmed meeting. I hope you have many, many more, Dave.
Jul '10
Re: Meeting a Ricochet Member in the Heartland
Good to hear you had a great experience meeting some of the Ricochetoise!
Oct '10
Re: Meeting a Ricochet Member in the Heartland
Dave Carter
We ate vegetarian. No really, for our main course we actually ate a vegetarian. Thick, juicy, perfectly cooked steaks all around.
- - -
We often times refer to the mid-west as “fly-over country,” which rather dismissively misses the point. Any part of the country in which a young child learns at an early age to say, “Mister Tardar,” and the adult instinctively responds with “Yes Ma'am?” is not “fly-over” anything. Rather, it's the very heart of the country, and it beats strong here in the Missouri River Valley. I hope I can come back here soon.
Dave, those are my two favorite quotes from your post, and an incredible one it is. Great steaks, libations, cigars, and most of all, great people to spend an evening with. You've truly captured the essence of red state America.
And on the subject of proper address, I find it inconceivable how some consider "ma'am" to be an insult. It is among the greatest terms of respect.
Hopefully you'll someday pass through Lubbock, and I'll enjoy the same privilege as Andrea.
Jun '10
Re: Meeting a Ricochet Member in the Heartland
Oh, Dave, I make The Beast to be an International Harvester. Am I right or wrong on that score. I am, of course, assuming that truck in the background is the Beast, which it may not be.
Re: Meeting a Ricochet Member in the Heartland
Cas, close but no cigar, which is unfortunate because Andrea secured some beauties last night. It's a Freightliner Century Classic, ...2007 model.
Edited on Jun 11, 2011 at 7:54pmAug '10
Re: Meeting a Ricochet Member in the Heartland
Dave, Let me know when you have some time in Shreveport/Bossier City We would love to have you over for dinner and scotch.
May '10
Re: Meeting a Ricochet Member in the Heartland
Maybe if I put a full-throttle chainsaw on 94 at 494 next time Dave is going by on his way to St. Cloud......
Re: Meeting a Ricochet Member in the Heartland
I'm never going to live this down. Duane, when I kick the bucket, I'll have the hearse drive my carcass by your house if necessary.
Re: Meeting a Ricochet Member in the Heartland
I'd like that very much. Even if time permitted only a cup of coffee and a brief conversation, I'd be delighted. Thank you! Of course, if you're ever down in Rayne, LA at the same time I'm in the neighborhood, I know where you can get some killer gumbo.
Jun '10
Re: Meeting a Ricochet Member in the Heartland
Hey! I jest googled Shreveport/Bossier City, and for the right scotch I think I could walk there from Vancouver in about six weeks. But, it would have to be a single malt, 'cuz I'd have to factor in the cost of hiking boots.
Oct '10
Re: Meeting a Ricochet Member in the Heartland
Dave... Colorado Springs is where we presently camp. Less than a mile west of I-25. Always a meal, good wine, a decent single malt Scotch available. Sorry, no cigars, although I believe a good pipe bowl will be on hand.
Just give us a half hour or so to get into gear, and our home is yours. Linda is a great cook, and I'm not so bad myself. Just let us know.
Re: Meeting a Ricochet Member in the Heartland
raycon: Dave... Colorado Springs is where we presently camp. Less than a mile west of I-25. Always a meal, good wine, a decent single malt Scotch available. Sorry, no cigars, although I believe a good pipe bowl will be on hand.
Just give us a half hour or so to get into gear, and our home is yours. Linda is a great cook, and I'm not so bad myself. Just let us know. · Jun 11 at 8:04pm
You folks really are too kind. I'm not fishing for food here, really. It's fine with me if we meet at a truck stop for coffee,...my goal is to meet folks and get to know you all better.
Jun '10
Re: Meeting a Ricochet Member in the Heartland
raycon: Dave... Colorado Springs is where we presently camp. Less than a mile west of I-25. Always a meal, good wine, a decent single malt Scotch available. Sorry, no cigars, although I believe a good pipe bowl will be on hand.
Just give us a half hour or so to get into gear, and our home is yours. Linda is a great cook, and I'm not so bad myself. Just let us know. · Jun 11 at 8:04pm
Well of course Linda's a great cook, raycon, 'cuz it would be your life is you wrote anything else on the internet.
May '10
Re: Meeting a Ricochet Member in the Heartland
And here I am stewing with jealousy that Dave got to meet Andrea et al and Andrea got to meet Dave before me! ;-) Well... at least I got to meet up with the Oyens last January. See ya later this week in California, Dave?
Re: Meeting a Ricochet Member in the Heartland
Keeping hope alive....
May '10
Re: Meeting a Ricochet Member in the Heartland
You are all assuming some fine Scotch was not offered to my friend. Dave has a finer taste for a very particular kind of Bourbon...and a cigar. And, how convenient that I happened to have plenty of both. Whoever is fortunate enough to be on Dave's next stop will be in for a treat. Dave is one of the most gracious, witty and engaging gentlemen I have met and his Southern charm and manners can not be outdone. He had my daughter completely wrapped around his finger and my boys were in a constant state of deep admiration not only for his ability to drive that truck, but most importantly for all the patches displayed on the dashboard and cab and the cap hanging above his seat...covered with all of his hard earned medals. What an honor to enjoy the company of such a superb and rare person. Dave is as awesome in person as he is in writing.
Apr '11
Re: Meeting a Ricochet Member in the Heartland
So what you're really saying is it's a big Mercedes with all the comforts of home (tongue in cheek).
It sounds like you had a wonderful time. I think I still have that bump on my head from not saying "Mr. Tardar" when I was young. It's nice to hear that some things never change in the "fly-over" zone.
Re: Meeting a Ricochet Member in the Heartland
Andrea, you're very kind indeed. Now, you wanted unmarked bills in small denominations, right?
Aug '10
Re: Meeting a Ricochet Member in the Heartland
Cas Balicki
Hey! I jest googled Shreveport/Bossier City, and for the right scotch I think I could walk there from Vancouver in about six weeks. But, it would have to be a single malt, 'cuz I'd have to factor in the cost of hiking boots. · Jun 11 at 8:02pm
Cas there is a pub here called 'The Noble Savage' If you would like to make it for the Red River Revel, we would be glad to have you.
I prefer Balvenie 12 as opposed to the 15, but they have a great selection.
May '10
Re: Meeting a Ricochet Member in the Heartland
What an absolutely beautiful narrative you wrote about your short weekend with us, Dave. It was so much fun to share our *free-wheeling and animated* thoughts, hear your stories and jokes, and see your genuine interest in our lives here on the Missouri (and Mississippi). It is so comfortable and enjoyable to be around someone with whom I share so many values, interests and perspective. Ella is still running around asking if Mister Tardar can have another sleep over wif us. I told her yes, by the way. No pressure or anything...just a little girl's broken heart.
It's too bad I didn't get the rest of your t-shirt in the last picture..."Body piercing by...Smith & Wesson". I loved it! By the way, I hope my tortoise didn't flip you off! I promised you friendly locals and good manners, after all.