Thoughts on the South

I'm sitting here missing Southern Belle and thinking about the three weeks I spent in Georgia last month. Three weeks isn't enough to really get a feel for a place, especially since I spent more of my attention on Southern Belle than I did the surroundings. Even so, I did get some preliminary impressions.

The first and most obvious impression is that where she lives (and where I will soon live) is remote. I'm used to small towns. I grew up in a small town and I live in a small town. I've also lived in the city, and I prefer small town life.

Southern Belle doesn't live in a small town. She lives about 8 miles from a small town in a pretty remote part of the north Georgia mountains. It's a good thing I like the country, because a city person would be lost there.

For those of you who may be expecting me to say the area is hick-land, it really isn't. Oh there are hillbillies and rednecks. No question. There are also people who seem to be no different than yankees except for the accent. I have a feeling they would be insulted by that description, but no insult is meant. I just can't think of any other way to say it.

My interactions with the hillbillies and rednecks have shown them to be people like any others, though with (quoting Jeff Foxworthy) a "glorious lack of sophistication." I have to admit, the pickup truck with a camper top built out of plywood made me do a double-take. On the other hand, the sight of a Confederate battle flag will probably always make me scowl. It's give and take.

That's all for tonight, folks. Tune in tomorrow for more random cogitations.