Journey to the Center of the Cornfield

Last week, we took a journey… now, yes, we did travel by car, but nevertheless it was a long journey. What made it longer was that we ended in a small South Dakotan farm town where cell reception is iffy at best, the big story is still about the grain elevator that exploded 20 years ago and you can stay in the “hotel” that is located on top of a chiropractor clinic for $30 a night.

In Marion, a small town which barely makes it on most maps, there is not a whole lot to keep you occupied. You could walk around… in cornfields, but the risk of looking as if you just took a shower is very probable (especially for those of us who are not used to muggy weather). Walking through the town is probably not as fun as it sounds either, since it will only take you about 20 minutes. There is however, a small part of Marion that for a moment at least, looks as if you are not in a small little farm town.

Here is a small park, tucked behind the veterinarian clinic and the “Corner Café,” behind the pool and around the corner. There is a rather large pond by the park and a less than sturdy hanging bridge which you can cross… and on the other side…? A cornfield. So, yes, we did walk through the cornfield as well.


To amuse ourselves... we found a big stick and decided to see how deep the water in the "Marion Pond," really is. Suprisingly, it is almost 6' deep.


Bill and Riley, as we were about to enter the cornfield! I felt a flashback of "Field of Dreams" coming on.


Tess in the cornfield.

Even in such a small town, there are many churches in the surrounding area. My grandparents roots are Mennonite – which at its strictest are probably one step above the Amish. My grandparents belonged to a church; my grandma still does, called EMB (the M for Mennonite and the other letters I am unsure of). My grandpa passed away about three years now and while we were there we went to visit his grave. Members of EMB are buried in this cemetery and most of them are also somehow related to my family. Yeah, a little creepy and cool all at once.


My grandpa's gravestone.


More relatives...

When we traveled to Marion, we usually try to plan it so that all the other family members can travel to my grandma’s place. We have relatives in South Dakota, Kansas, Minnesota and we of course, are from Colorado. It is nice to see everyone. And the car ride is of course, bonding. Bill and I traveled there with my parents, my brother (Mike), his girlfriend (Tess/a) and Riley, our niece. Although, this year I think we made the drive in record time.


Tess


My bro's head to the right, to the left you will see my cousin 'Niah with his new mohawk... and his brother Kahler.

At any rate, it is quite an experience! And now, I must prepare to go back to the grind of school (meetings start Monday – ALL day)! Let’s just hope that all the psycho-mom’s who wear their pajamas at school have once and for all moved to Texas…