Cultural Crossovers and Discoveries

In Cody Wyoming we went to a rodeo. It was surprisingly highly entertaining. But there are a few observations from a city slicker.

I view the rodeo as a cowboy version of a Tractor Pull or Monster Truck Rally. The format is similar but with different cultural events.

Second observation is that they are highly religious (Christian) and patriotic. It is an indication that for those of us in California, we are definitely out of touch with the values of the Midwest. The last presidential election is an example that comes to mind.

But as we sat there, I was looking out to the surrounding hills imagining how hot and cold it could get and why would anyone want to live in such conditions. Then there was a mention of Heart Mountain. Heart Mountain was the name of one of the 10 internment camps during WWII and happens to be where my mom and her family were initially relocated to. Hmmmm.

After getting back to the hotel we found out the camp location was only 15 minutes outside of Cody. It was disappointing that we could not make it ti the memorial and visitor center that has been established there. If you ever go to Cody, you will not find anything in the city that publicizes the site like the numerous buffalo bill Cody tie ins. Asking the hotel clerk about the site did not get much info. He did recall a brochure about a camp but could not find one in the display of dude ranches and Buffalo Bill tributes. The next morning I went next door to the other motel to see if they had anything. I ended by chance picking up the Cody things to do magazine. When I looked through it, I did find a two page spread of the relocation camp site. It turns out the official Heart Mountain reunion is in two weeks staying at the same hotel.

Gayle sent the info to my cousin and she would like to arrange for a trip there, so our goal is to figure out how to arrange a trip to return to Cody. It turns out you can fly directly into Cody (American or United) or drive from Bozeman or Billings Montana. I guess we are making our way back.

Air Conditioning

Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons were on the agenda. There are crowds in spite of the 100 degree weather. Yellowstone is living proof of the instability of the earth's crust as the tectonic plates collide and the evidence of the earth's volatility beneath the surface. A little un-nerving. It would be a great commercial for earthquake insurance here in California. In the heat, we got used to air conditioned rooms and especially an air conditioned bus. We mastered the ability to quickly move from the bus to the air conditioned souvenir shops, diners and restrooms. In the middle of the tour we came across the National Park version of air conditioning.

50 lb Limit

One of the benefits of no longer paying for college tuition is that we have opportunities to do other things. Dow we buy that car made in this century? Or do we take the trip more in tune with our age. Well, we chose the later. It was one of those bus tours where we found our youth, being the youngest by far. We made our way to Rapid City and Mt. Rushmore then on to the Crazy Horse Memorial.

The memorial is a completely independent (no government funding) enterprise that will eventually carve a huge sculpture of the Native American Warrior Crazy Horse. When it is finished, it will dwarf in sheer size, Mt Rushmore. It was initiated by the American Indian Tribes to counter The sculpture of the nearby American presidential monument. The foundation raiser funds by the usual means, gift shop, souvenirs, liquid refreshment in 100 degree weather. What do we come back with as souvenirs? Rocks from the sculpture blasting the size of softballs. It comes with a business card authenticating the rocks heritage.

This is my dilemma, do I put them in my carry on backpack and risk having to explain the two rocks to TSA, or do I put them in the suitcase, risking the over 50 lb weight limit fee of $100. Did I mention the numerous books being purchased for the classroom. Can I write off the overweight fee as a professional expense (kindergarten teacher)? 53 pounds at the airport checkin. With a little creativity we were able to shed a pound and receive a look the other way for the other two.

    

And yes, the rocks did not leave Texas and the suitcase made weight. The grandsons loved them, the parents not so much.

The Honorable Rice Pot

We recently made a trip to Henderson NV to visit my uncle (my moms brother).  I still can't quite figure out how, but I came home with the Yokoi family rice pot.  In the days prior to rice cookers, rice was cooked in aluminum pots on the stove.  This one has a history with the Yokoi family.  It was the one they grew up with.  It was purchased pre war.  Of the limited items they could bring during the forced relocation of WWII, grandma brought the pot.  It made its way through the temporary assembly center in Pomona and two internment camps (Heart Mountain and Tule Lake).  Then to Japan when they were literally dumped off after the war and later, back to the U.S.  It was stored in various boxes between my aunt Yoshi and Uncle Hank after grandma Yokoi had passed.

It was brought out during our visit as a family memento.  One of those things of memory (not necessarily fond ones) and shared experience.  But it's not something you usually display in the living room China hutch.  It survived what we estimate is over 80 years dating back to the 1930s.  American made, cast aluminum, Griswold foundry in Erie Pennsylvania.  It is slightly bowed at the bottom from daily use and a few dents here and there.  I imagine it's been dropped a few times throughout its journeys.  If only it could talk.  It was the central utensil of family life in east LA and the excuse to leave the flower picking early to go prepare dinner.  What were the soldiers reaction when they came across the pot in their inspections during relocation.  It has traveled by train through the desert and over the Pacific on ships.  It survived the temperature extremes of the harsh seasons of the isolated camps.

The JA legacy is probably tied to these types of rice pots.  I never saw one in use until I met Gayle.  Her family cooked their rice in one on a electric stove well into the 70s, feeding a family of seven.  My earliest memory of a family rice cooker was putting water in between the outer and inner pots and measuring water above the washed rice by using the first bend line of your index finger.  Washing rice was and remains one of those chores we try to avoid.  Fuzzy logic and multiple functions are now the norm.  We use ours for our breakfast oatmeal.  Set the timer the night before, hot oatmeal in the morning.  The least favorite function is the brown rice setting.  It makes it too convenient to be healthy.

In tribute to the Yokoi family. Kichijiro, Tetsuo and their children Kazuko (Kay), Yoshiko (Yoshi), Haruo (Hank)  and Mizuye (Mizzy).