_

the midwest, where, stereotypes aside, it is mostly flat

Hey, speak for your own state! Well, okay, the Midwest is mostly flat compared to the rest of the country, but my portion of it is not nearly as flat as yours. :P

I love those moments where you just have to stop and say, "Wow," because the world is beautiful.

I have never seen a veteran selling poppies. I had no idea that was any sort of thing.