As I enjoy the final couple of legitimately cold days, most likely, for the St. Louis winter of 2012, I feel vast disappointment.
One of my favorite characteristics of the U.S. Midwest is

Sometimes when a headline is written, it can provide too much of a summary of the subsequent content.  In this case, that is no problem. It’s true.
My first weather-related memories revolve around family trips and vacations in which severe weather either changed our plans or scared the crap out of us. Though I was only 10 years old, I recollect returning to the Iowa family farm from a family vacation only to hit severe ice just about 30 miles from home.
Now that was messed up! In my mind, as long as my …

In six hours, I will be on my way to the KK Ranch, a place that is held sacred among many of my friends. I agree with their sentiment. It is really an idealistic way for us to gather and enjoy time outdoors and together in a perfect setting.
Located out in the country not far from I-70, the KK is only 90 minutes from most points in St. Louis. It features an old-school bunk house that conjures imagery of 1970s Americana, a real outhouse (though it actually is relatively nice), …