So I recently took a little trip home, a vacation if you would, because now that I live at the beach, where else would I go?
Here’s some signs I knew I was really back home:
You know you’re in southwest Virginia when…
1) … you see the Southern X-posure sign.
No explanation necessary.
2) … you get one of four waves while driving.
As you can see, the more familiar you are with a person, the more fingers are included in this country wave. I should note that this is not the same in all counties in southwest Virginia. It’s not even the same from town to town in said county. Just a few miles down the road, everyone waves with one finger! Don’t worry. I’m talking about the pointer. It’s also important to mention that if someone takes their hand off the wheel completely to wave, they are, in fact, crazy.
3) … corned-beef gravy is served for breakfast.
Lucky for me, while I was in town, my Aunt DD was able to gather up the fam, and she held a legendary breakfast like the good old days! I thoroughly savored the food, and yes, I did help myself to two servings! It was also pretty special though because a couple of my older aunts and uncles, that aren’t always in town or available, were able to make it as well.
4) … your truck’s tailgate is made of a folding table and strap.
I guess we’re more rednecker than you, and that is actually a word! At least…it’s in a song I heard recently. It’s, I kid you not, called Rednecker. By a guy named Hardy. You should look it up sometime and give it a listen!
Oh, by the way, the tailgate failed.
5) … shooting clay targets becomes a family affair.
To be quite honest, I don’t think I have seen my dad as excited as he was that Saturday morning. While we’re all at the house getting ready and gearing up, loading shotguns and ammo in the car, and talking a lot of smack, my dad’s hinting at this huge set-up that he put together early that morning on the farm, where we’d be shooting. My brothers and I all roll our eyes with small smiles on our faces. Aka not believing a word he says. My dad… well my dad is always joking around. We all thought it was just typical dad over-exaggerating and stretching the truth. Boy we were wrong! He really did have a fantastic lay out. A tent to stay cool. Tables to lay all the gear out for easy access and safety. Chairs when your legs grew tired. Coolers with drinks to stay hydrated. Sausage biscuits and nuts were also made available to energize. And the whole family came out! He invited basically everyone we know! As in the in-laws and their families! He was so proud of himself. As he should be though. It was a fantastic way to spend the morning. Did I mention I am a darn good shot?!
6) … you are easily impressed by the local movie theatre’s upgrades.
When I stepped foot in that theatre, I was blown away by just how much it had changed in just a couple of years. Gone were the rows and rows of small chairs, and in it’s place were these nice, comfy, spacious and spread out reclining chairs! Look at the little table for all your food items too! You could walk in there, sit down, get situated, lay out your food and drink and never have to move until the end. Or when you have to use the bathroom. I think I heard a couple of snores though…
7) … people complain about the so-called “heat.”
After living at the beach for two years, I now truly understand the definition of hot, and it ain’t hot back in southwest Virginia. I mean, it does get warm and muggy, and you can sweat your butt off, but it’s just not as oppressive and suffocating like it is here. However, when everyone wanted a cool treat, I was able to enjoy a delicious snow cone from one of our favorite places to go in the summertime when we were growing up. My dad calls it the Bahama Mama Snow Shack. It’s really just the Bahama Snow Shack though.
8) … you are surrounded by Hokie everything.
No more Clemson. No more USC. You don’t even really see UVA, because southwest Virginia is all about them Hokies! Let’s go!
Where do you hail from? What are some dead giveaways that you’re not on the Grand Strand anymore?
