I think there are rules to the four-way stop, but to judge from the other drivers around here, they have been lost to the mists of time.

#TooMidwestTooFurious

We have come to visit my in-laws on this fine Labor Day so that my husband can bicker with my MIL about their technology use or lack thereof.

#TooMidwestTooFurious

As usual, Wisconsin's weather changes like a strobe light. Today it's 60 degrees. Then it's 90. 58. 87. 62. 82. Some places have a gradient between seasons, but no.

#TooMidwestTooFurious

A woman at the next table is lecturing her parents about the difference between the fifteenth and nineteenth amendments. I assume so loudly because they are old enough to remember when the nineteenth passed...

#TooMidwestTooFurious

Guy at the next table:

"It's like the San Francisco of Canada..."

"And then there was this class-action lawsuit."

"It was a coopetition meeting."

Trying to decide if he's on a brunch date or not. And if she regrets it.

#TooMidwestTooFurious

The café is too crowded, so I have elected to sit outside with my coffee and work on this sex scene outside. As one does.

It feels like the inside of my mouth outside though.

#TooMidwestTooFurious #AmWriting

This is very West side-centric because I drive through it every day, but they've also fucked up downtown all over and on the East side Atwood is closed at Fair Oaks with the world's most baffling detour, so.

#TooMidwestTooFurious #AlsoIKnowThisIsPettyAF

Someone told me that all these road construction projects got approved in 2020 but delayed until now because of supply chain issues, but honestly they couldn't have fucked the West side up better if they had planned it.

Planner 1: What if we just...took University Ave out of commission?

Planner 2: What, start construction on both sides the whole way?

P1: Ever-shifting lanes, closure of side streets at random, flaggers on some days...

P2: A masterpiece.

#TooMidwestTooFurious

The two baristas I thought were the same person are working together today. I cannot decide if I think they look alike when I see them next to each other, but one has a nose ring now.

#cafeUpdate #TooMidwestTooFurious #peopleWatching

I kind of like it when the thunderstorms drive along I-94 heading south all night to get to us, rumbling in all gentle and fresh at 5 or 5:30 in the morning.

#TooMidwestTooFurious

The weather outside is very Victorian London. I'm not into it.

#TooMidwestTooFurious

Teen Girl 1: For some reason I just follow so many moms on Instagram. They're all about gentle parenting 101 or what to do if your kid won't get dressed and you have an important meeting. (Laughs)

Teen Girl 2: I. Love. Moms.

#TooMidwestTooFurious #OverheardAtCafe

On Monday at the café, I thought the barista had cut off his shoulder-length hair. But I never say anything about haircuts because I'm face blind and get really weird about "am I remembering correctly." And today, he's got long hair again, so obviously it was someone else, and I'm simultaneously saved and damned by my own deficiencies.

#TooMidwestTooFurious #faceblindness

There are two people in the corner of the café who are wearing suits and talking about budgets. This is not only unusual for the café, it's weird for Madison generally. At least the guy isn't wearing a tie.

#TooMidwestTooFurious

While hiking:

Lady: Did you read about this in the New York Times? When someone feels sad, you ask them if you want help, or you want a hug, or...what was the third one?

Guy behind her: Ice cream?

Lady: It began with an "h." Hm. What makes sense?

Me: Probably just to be listened to? But beginning with an "h."

Guy: to be heard.

Lady: that seems right. Go teamwork!

#tooMidwestTooFurious #overheard

The Book is getting press! I'm floored, guys.

https://www.channel3000.com/madison-magazine/books-authors/12-wisconsin-connected-lgbtq-reads-and-7-literary-events-to-check-out-this-pride-month/article_9e97254a-00ba-11ee-8116-e7de99d41f6b.html

#bookstodon #TooMidwestTooFurious

Drinking a brandy old fashioned sweet at the Knights of Columbus hall in rural Wisconsin. I have found peak Midwest, guys. It's so kitsch here I might implode under the weight.

#TooMidwestTooFurious

(Watching me open the closet to put away some empty plastic bags)

5yo: Why is there a bag with bags in it?

Me: That's how you know you're an adult.

#Midwest #TooMidwestTooFurious