There is so much beauty to behold if you live in the state of West Virginia, where residents have the privilege to enjoy ALL the seasons – each displaying varying color palettes along with many year-round recreation opportunities!
This coming week brings the first day of Autumn, and personally speaking, this season is a favorite of mine. While I try not to think ahead to facing the winter chill that will follow, I do look forward to less humidity and watching nature’s color palette change to rich reds, burnt oranges, and deep golden tones on our rolling hills. Capturing our vibrant fall foliage must be a photographer’s dream come true!
Spring, too, is equally uplifting, bringing a welcome change after trees have been barren and flowers have vanished through the winter months. Greenery once again becomes predominant and colorful blooms return. I guess it’s pretty obvious that I prefer the moderate seasons; however, throughout our four seasons in West Virginia, there are always outdoor adventures available – fishing, hunting, hiking, biking, kayaking, skiing, snowshoeing, etc. – a sport for each season, with many fairs, festivals, and community events that draw visitors.
Being able to enjoy our state’s seasonal changes DOES make this ‘Almost Heaven’, despite the burden of distasteful jokes being thrown our way. You’ve heard them, I’m sure – like YOU KNOW YOU’RE FROM WEST VIRGINIA IF: 1) somebody tells you that you have something between your teeth and you take them out to see what it is; 2) you stare at a can of orange juice because it says “concentrate”; or 3) you think a quarter horse is the ride in front of Kmart! Those are just a few of the many mockeries we encounter.
I saved this old post I ran across several years ago, and I’ll share it because I loved the punchline! Radio announcer (the late) Warren Swain was the voice of Nebraska football and basketball for several years. One weekend he was in Oklahoma broadcasting a football game and noticed a special telephone near the Sooners bench; he asked someone what it was and was told it was the hotline to God. When he asked if he could use it, he was told it would cost him $100. After scratching his head, he thought it would be worth it to help him call this game so he paid the $100 and his broadcast went perfectly!
The following week, he was in Florida doing a game between Nebraska and FSU. Again he noticed the same kind of phone lying on the FSU bench and asked if he could use it. They said, “Sure, but it will cost you $100.” Again he paid the price … and again, had a flawless broadcast. The next week he traveled to West Virginia for a game at Mountaineer Field … and yes, he once again noticed that same ‘Hotline to God’ phone on their bench too! When he asked to use it, he was told it would cost him 35 cents. Warren was puzzled and told them he had paid $100 at both an Oklahoma game and an FSU game to use that phone. “Why does WV only charge 35 cents?” he asked. Here was the reply … “In West Virginia, it’s a local call!”
Finally, a joke worth repeating about “Almost Heaven” – West Virginia! Read the explanation below about why people resort to mockery.
Quote of the Week: “It is insecure people who stoop to putting others down, which merely validates their own inferiority.” ~ Author Unknown