We’re down in Florida at our condo right now and meeting a lot of our new neighbors. I’ve found one of the best ways to connect is just to wear a ballcap from our home state of Minnesota or Wisconsin.
Different parts of Florida attract snowbirds from different states, but where we are at there is a mix of East Coasters (NY NJ PA MA) and Midwesterners (IL IN OH MI MN WI). I guess it’s not a surprise that nearby Walt Disney World is an attraction for all over.
The other day, I was wearing my MN Wild NHL hat at our neighborhood clubhouse and a guy immediately recognized it and asked if we are from MN. It turns out he and his wife moved here from MN during the lockdowns and decided to stay. His wife works remotely for the same MegaCorp I toiled at for 24 years.
That’s one of many interactions I’ve had wearing these ball caps. I’ve been stopped at the grocery store, at Home Depot, and even at a Disney resort. People love to see something familiar!
Have you ever met / engaged in a conversation with Simone based on their sports hat or shirt?
Image: (c) MrFireStation.com
MrFireStation 
I wore a Menard’s shirt to the gym in LA once, and a dude from Minnetonka., Minnesota asked me if I was from Minnesota. I answered him that I was originally from Wisconsin. Then told him how Menard’s started as a single store in Eau Claire, WI. I went to his very first store in Eau Claire when attending UW – Eau Claire for my first two years starting in 1977.
My wife and I have a mixed marriage. She is Minnesota and I am from Wisconsin. People are shocked to learn this and are surprised that it is even legal.
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Yes – John Menard was the Sam Walton of Wisconsin, wasn’t he? I think the family sold the stores, but you can still “SAVE BIG MONEY” across WI & MN!
I consider myself as having “dual citizenship” in MN & WI. Born in WI, high school in MN, college in WI, work in MN, UW-Madison MBA Board, Packers shareholder, Twins fan.
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