Why Is It Always West Virginia?

Photo by Norman Patrick Smith 2010

Taken outside a pawn shop in Parkersburg, WV. We are so proud!

I don't get it...there are other states that would be much more appropriate for this sign. Why is it always West Virginia that gets the rep for being home to a bunch of backwoods rednecks that marry their cousins? Why can't they pick on Kentucky? Four million people, five last names. I'm tired of being the butt of all those jokes! And how many times have you watched a show on TV and the antagonists are a white supremacist group from West Virginia?

But, much as we all hate to admit it, there is some truth to it all. West Virginia is a state where green jello salad with cottage cheese, pineapple and mini-marshmallows is one of the four basic food groups. I remember waiting with great anticipation for the Sunday dinner that composed of fried squirrel and squirrel gravy. And even though I've lived in Colorado for 35 years, I still don't wear shoes unless I have to! I take a bath from the rain barrel every time I visit my Grandma's farm and it's not a real trip "home" unless I've eaten a ton of pepperoni rolls.

So fine, go ahead and pick on us native Mountaineers. I dare ya! But just remember, those pickup trucks have a gun rack in 'em for a reason!

Be good to each other!

Ginny

One Funny Chick

"Funny" has so many connotations. For instance, one can be hysterically funny. Another can be three fries short of a Happy Meal which, depending on your degree of sophistication, or inebriation, can also be hysterically funny. Some are only funny when they drink and that's because beer makes them think they're funny. I've been told I'm funny but I don't always know how to take it. Do they really think I'm funny or are they laughing because I'm not wrapped too tight? Are they laughing with me or at me? Who cares? As long as they're laughing, I'm happy!

My mother always told me my mouth would get me in trouble. I told her my mouth couldn't get me "in trouble" because I knew where babies came from. She was right, my mouth got me in trouble. And it has many, many times. There was this one time, at church camp....I was in the pool and there was this pretty little blond girl swimming with me. We were talking and she got all emotional and said, "I think you know why I came here." I gasped and asked her if she was "in trouble". She replied that indeed she was not. She came to get baptized. I guess we know which one of us needed to be at church camp!

We all have times when we only open our mouths to change feet. I was running to catch an elevator one time. I stuck my hand in at the last second and the door popped open. I noticed there were a couple of people on board but I wasn't paying very close attention. As I pushed the button I said, "Boy, that's a good way to lose your arm!" I turned around and there standing before me were not one, but TWO above-the-elbow amputees! It was a very long, quiet ride down I can tell you. Hey, at least I didn't say, "Man, is that what happened to you?" or "Wow, I bet you can get your nails done half price, huh?"

Anyway, I digress. This blog is meant to be a chronicle of events, thoughts, and sometimes stories, leading up to a monumental change my hubby, Dan (aka Mr. Virgo), and I are contemplating next year. We shall see where it leads us!

Take care of each other!

Ginny