After having grown up in Illinois, spending summers in Wisconsin and Michigan, and then moving to Minnesota, I have some strong midwestern roots, and opinions. It's casserole, not hot-dish. Interesting should always have a positive connotation. Mountains and the ocean are great, but lakes and rivers are better. Every meal should include cheese. Any day above 20 degrees deserves at least one open window. I spend the spring, summer and fall camping, canoeing, biking and hiking. I am still learning winter activities that don't involve just pretending like the snow isn't there, so mostly knit and go on walks until I can't feel my ears.