-Isms: Views on life in rural America

Want to relive part of your childhood?

Here’s your chance. Head to McDonald’s by Oct. 30 and grab an adult meal box. The fast food super giant is partnering with Cactus Plant Flea Market, a fashion streetwear brand, to bring you the latest in nostalgia.

The adult meal box includes either a Big Mac or 10-piece chicken nuggets, fries, drink (non-alcoholic, of course) and a toy, either the Grimace, Hamburglar, Birdie or the all-new Cactus Buddy.

What’s a Cactus Buddy?

The cost, according to a Tik Tok video I watched, runs approximately $15, taxes included. Good thing I won’t be wasti-, um, spending money on the gimmicky combo.

In October 1977, the Happy Meal had a test run in the Kansas City area, and by 1979, every McDonald’s in America offered the box lunch.

The only time any of my kids expressed interest in a happy meal was in the late 90s to early 2000s, when plush Teenie Beanies - miniature Beanie Babies - were the surprise gift tucked inside the meal deal. One summer, Courtney’s goal was to collect each of the tiny toys. The young cashier at the local store would sell the toy of the week for $2, without purchasing a meal, an offense I’m certain for which he could have been fired. On a side note, I’m wondering whatever happened to the plethora of teenie toys she collected?

I’ve never been a huge fan of the burger joint, unless it’s for a $1 iced tea or an Egg McMuffin. I never held my kids’ birthday parties there. It wasn’t the establishment my college friend group would head to after working the last shift at the bar.

Yet, I understand the nostalgia aspect McDonald’s is trying to recreate. The trail end of baby boomers, along with millenials and Gen Z, grew up with the iconic meal served in the red box with golden arches for handles. I also say bravo for a bit of marketing genius. Way to pull at the proverbial heartstrings and pocketbooks.

If I want an adult meal box, it’s going to have to include either two hard-shell tacos or loaded nachos, a side of guacamole and a margarita, preferably on the rocks, although I would settle for a blended peach margarita.

No collectible or tchotchke required.

What’s the likelihood of this being offered? I’m talking to you, Heath and Tina. :) I’ll be in soon to pick one up.

***

Dad watched some of baseball’s greats play through the farm system, when teams traveled through northeast Nebraska, playing the locals. He fell in love with the St. Louis Cardinals. For years, we’d watch games together, chatting about the greats who have played there, including Yadier Molina and Albert Pujols.

I can only imagine what Dad thought as the two baseball giants walked off the field for the final time, each leaving a legacy that may never again be matched by the Cardinal franchise.

Thanks for the precious memories, Redbirds, and thanks for sharing your love of the game with your fans.