It’s conference time in Kansas so if you’re a Kansan that means there is about an 85% chance that whatever conference you’re going to is in KC/Topeka or Wichita. If it’s not in one of the three metro areas, it’s most likely in Lawrence or Manhattan. But my meeting isn’t about cows, dirt, basketball or Adidas so those are out. If your lucky enough to find a meeting in an “outlying area” just sign up and go. Trust me on this one. They want you to come, they are excited that you are there, and they will pull out all the stops to show you all their community has to offer.

Now keep in mind there will be some things that may seem strange or foreign even in the same state. Just think of it as when you went to the weird kids house to play. Sure he smelled like spilled milk and damp laundry, but he had such wonderful toys. Now you couldn’t touch the model airplanes but he wasn’t missing any pieces from his erector set and all his Lego’s were perfectly organized. And while there were no potato chips or pop in the house, his mom peeled apples and grapes for snacks. Yes, even peeled the grapes, because she just want you boys to have a good time and not choke on anything

You also get to meet some great people. Smaller communities have great people that have customs and ways of life that are vastly different from ours just a few hundred miles away. Like those kids from another state that spent summers with their grandparents you met as kids. That pasty kid that had never been out in the sun, who would dive into the deep end of the pool even though he couldn’t swim at all. He was a little different but once you taught him to swim enough so he didn’t die, he was a good friend. Nothing like dragging a kid to the side of the pool for the 5th time choking and gagging only to have him smile and say, “thanks for for saving my life again.” to build a friendship.

So a short 300 mile drive is not big deal and shouldn’t be a deterrent to attending a conference. You can also see some cool things along the way, if you pay attention. You can also meet some nice people if you’re not paying attention, to the speed limit.

So back to the drive, in addition to watching your speed let’s discuss some Be Kind and Kourteous in Kansas rules of driving. Don’t tailgate. Don’t speed on 400. Wave at the flag man. And don’t be this guy.

Now for the things you should do while driving through Kansas. Breakfast pizza from Casey’s or Quik Trip. Decide which is better. Casey’s has a softer crust while QT gives you some crunch. While you are entitled to your opinion QT is the clear winner.

So 300 miles is a pretty good drive. Not terrible though. You know what would be terrible? Riding a bike that across Kansas. People who would do that are gluttons for punishment. Or maybe they are just plain nuts. Or father in laws. Maybe all three. I said what said.

Lots of churches can be seen from the highways as well. I like seeing those. I wonder if there were people who didn’t want them built because they ruined the skyline.

There was pushback against railroads. People thought traveling over 60 mph would be fatal. Barbwire ended free range grazing and was hated. Barb wore brought in feed lots which have a distinct aroma but I’ve heard many people say they smell like money. Have you ever smelled silage? That’s something you won’t forget either. Did anyone duck before walking in front of the microwave when they were a kid? Does 5G still cause brain tumors? Cell phones were suppose to do that without 5G. I even remember that at one point people swore it was better to be thrown out of a car during a crash then wear a seat belt and be trapped in the car. Or the seat belt might even cut a person in half. Funny what people use to be afraid off. Wonder what we will say about ourselves and our fears years from now?

6:23 a.m. Conference day 2 is underway. Sort of. Breakfast starts at 6:00 a.m. and has yet to begin. Conference coordinator is frantic, hotel staff isn’t too worried about the time. Attendees are getting restless and irritable. I am watching the drama unfold and throughly enjoying myself. 6:35:Breakfast is finally served. The toasters are missing. Breakfast stops. Tension mounts . Toasters are finally located and set up as the coordinator re-opens buffet line and makes repeated announcement of toaster location. Finally everyone relaxes. Apparently toast is important. I get my breakfast and ask coordinator where is the toast is. I don’t know why I am the way that I am.