Defending West Virginia…

HELLO GENTLE READERS,

On the heels of the West Virginia primary, and the overwhelming vote for convicted felon and nutcase, Keith Judd, I thought it appropriate to defend our beautiful state.

Now, West Virginia IS the second poorest state in the Union, at least by income measures.  There is a little bigotry.  Some of the people are a little bit on the “hickish” side.  And, sometimes elections have been a little bit “off” by legal standards.

BUT….

On the positive side, when we moved to our new town, we were welcome like nowhere else.  One week after the movers came, our neighbor across the road brought us an apple pie from Bob Evans (she apologized for not baking us a cake herself, due to being busy).  A few days later, another neighbor brought us a zucchini bread.  Then the following week, the lady next door brought us peanut butter fudge and apple butter (best doggone fudge we’ve ever had).

The husband of the lady who brought us the zucchini bread called over to our son, John, several days later.  He asked John if he liked fishing.  ” Yes, Sir!” John replied.  “I’ve got a boat you can use, if you like”, our neighbor advised, then walked away.  A few minutes later, he called John across the road to his garage.  He had gone to clean out the boat and told John to bring it home.

John responded, “Gee, thanks!  Just let me know when you want me to bring it back”.   Our lovely neighbor told John not to bring it back.  “It’s yours.”

All of this within three weeks of living here.

Break down on the side of the road in West Virginia–you will most definitely have several people stop to help you.

Run out of food in West Virginia–don’t worry.  People share here.

What about bigotry?  Occasionally we will here racial slurs, and we really don’t like it.  Yet we’ve also heard a whole lot of West Virginians heatedly defend friends and neighbors, who happen to be minorities.

You see, West Virginia is a very monochromatic state.   Diversity IS lacking, not so much because of exclusion, but rather the resistance of “outsiders” to want to live here.

Sure, our standard of living may be significantly behind the rest of the Country.  However, our Quality of Life cannot be matched!

So, the next time you hear a story of ballot tampering, Red Neck boozing or felon candidates from West Virginia, just remember, you heard it here….

There’s no place like Almost Heaven.  There’s no place like West Virginia.  There’s no place like HOME!!!

LaVerna and Tom Vickers

 

 

 

 

French Fries Or Potato Chips???

HELLO GENTLE READERS,

Ever wonder why a sandwich tastes so much better when you have either french fries or potato chips?

I think I know the answer–it’s the contrast.

The only question, then, is which one?

Potato chips take virtually no effort. You reach into a bag,  grab a few chips and put them on your plate. The crunchy, salty, almost addictive nature of a potato chip can seem like the perfect balance to a bland, boring sandwich.

Then there’s the french fry. Sure it takes a lot more effort to prepare, but you can dip them in ketchup, smother them in chili and cheese, put any kind of seasoned salt on them, the possibilities are almost as limitless as the people who choose fries.

So, why then, is there a need for a choice?

Well, I suppose you can do without potatoes all together, but why?

Sometimes the simplicity of potato chips make them hard to resist. Instant gratification in a bag. Sure they’re a little unfulfilling, but hey, they’re easy, right? Maybe there not quite as warm and versatile as a french fry, but there so doggone easy! They taste good! They’re generally sold in nice looking packages. If you don’t read the nutritional information, they seem to be the ideal, effort free snack.

But, alas, there’s the french fry.

They’re warm.  Compliment most any meal (not just sandwiches).  They can be seasoned with just about anything. The best part is how fulfilling they can be. Some people even eat fries as a meal in themselves. Top ‘em with a little substance and french fries stand alone.

My Grandma made me french fries when I was a little girl.  All that work – peeling potatoes, cutting them up, frying them in that special pan. Life sure was good when Grandma made french fries, in that special way, only Grandmothers can make ‘em.

So, is the preference for potato chips or french fries innate? Do we learn it? I’m not sure.

Although that “perfect” or at least “just right for me” french fry has been a bit elusive, I still find myself seeking it.

Maybe not just like Grandma’s, but at least close. Perhaps I’ll find it someday. Perhaps not. However, I reckon I’ll continue the search until I find it. Although, in all honesty I must admit that the occasional potato chip can be pretty good. Maybe even a whole bunch of them.

LaVerna and Tom Vickers