My mother invited my mammaw up from Arkansas for a visit that partially coincided with my Midwest excursion. In my mind, it might ultimately create more problems than it's worth - as I'm not "known" to my extended kin, if you take my meaning. Most live still in Arkansas, and are highly devoted to their religious and cultural beliefs - many of which I do not share. You get my meaning. But, my mammaw is more of an exception to that rule, and delights at the "culture clash" that ensues when she comes to a place as "cosmopolitan" as the Quad Cities.
Yep, the QC is diverse and cosmopolitan compared to Arkansas.
Anyway, upon deplaning yesterday, she saw my sister (also visiting) and I meeting her at the airport, she immediately pelted us with questions. Keep in mind that she isn't racist. But living in Arkansas for over seventy years can take its toll.
Mammaw: "Have you discovered a cure for aging yet?"
[I don't work on aging at all in the lab.]
Me: "No, sorry. No fountain of youth."
Mammaw: "Well, you better get working on it!... Who knows how much longer I'll last." [laughs]
Me: "I'll see what I can do."
Mammaw: "You tell that Dr. Wow to get on it!"
My sister: "Um, Mar - I think it's 'Dr. Yao.'"
Mammaw: "Oh, is it?... Well I plum thought it was 'Dr. Wow.' Tell me, does he look oriental?"
Me [shifting awkwardly]: "Well, he was born and raised in Taiwan."
Mammaw: "Oh, so I reckon he does look like an oriental."
Wow.
Doctor Wow.