Lessons for Lucy...

Poor Lucy! Whenever I use a slang term for something, I am aware that Lucy is trying to learn English and here I am confusing our dear friend. Shame on me! She asked, "What is WV?" Now I figure that is a very good question. Simply, WV is an abbreviation for the state of West Virginia. West Virginia is in the very center of the Appalachain Mountains- but these are not mountains like the ones in Europe. They are quite steep and wooded, but none so high that they reach above the tree line. In WV, the mountains are very rocky. I can only speak on what WV is to me. I grew up there, the child and grandchild and great-grandchild of West Virginians. These people are sometimes called "mountaineers," but I never recall that until the University started improving in football! It was "hillbilly" before that. And it wasn't a derogatory term. It really is a beautiful place. Lots of forests, which we call "woods" and streams- which we call "creeks." Hand-crafts are very popular and you can find a pottery shop, or wood-shop, or glass-making shop in nearly every county. The economy is, well, diverse. There are very wealthy people there, like the Rockefellers, but poverty also has a part. There are religious organization who make WV a "mission"- as if it were a third-world country. It is true that I have seen this, but folks in WV seem to look at it differently. I, personally, have never heard anyone whine about being poor. They tend to be proud of the fact that they can manage with less. The climate is fairly mild. It rains alot, and seems humid. When it snows, it rarely lasts more than a few days, but melts off quickly. The people there don't seem as open and friendly as they are here in Indiana but really, I think they are just more reserved. I love visiting there and my kids think it is the greatest place on earth. But after a week, I find that I miss the wide open spaces of Indiana. John Denver made the song, "Take Me Home Country Roads..." popular many years ago. And it does feel that way, to me.

This is where my mom and dad live. My dad cut down the trees to make the frame for their "house." He built it, himself, from the foundation up. He has a pioneer's heart and my mom plays along. They live upstairs and the downstairs is used to store their stuff. Now I know I get the "stuff" gene honestly. Lucy, how's that for a remedial tutorial?

My mom is now blogging and I wanted to introduce her to you all. Of course, most of you know her through me, but if you'd like to visit, you can find her at www.teelsidemama.blogspot.com She is also quilt crazy, so I figure you'll have lots in common to talk about. You'll find her very hospitable. She is prone to baking cookies, so if you are dieting, you might want to lay low. Sarah asked if she needs to be good, because my mom is now blogging. All I have to say to that is, she's been around for months, so Sarah, if you're trying to make a good impression- it's too late! Ah, you know I'm teasing. She loves you! And I'm sure everybody here will love her, too.