Why Southerners are So Much More Evolved and Sophisticated Than The Rest of Us

[Mik]

For Jolly et al

https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/travel/why-southerners-are-so-much-more-evolved-and-sophisticated-than-the-rest-of-us/ss-AA1q7XRj

[Doctor Phibes]

You won't believe #7!

[Jolly]

Goes with the drawl...

[jon-nyc]

I always appreciate the manners. Noticed it in GA over the weekend

[taiwan_girl]

Is the geography differences in the US decreasing over time?

Seems like people in the US move ALOT more than in other countries.

In some places, are you not a local until you have lived there for 100+ years.

[Mik]

There are still places like that in the US, many in the south. They'll be friendly but you aren't one of US.

And yes, there is a homogenization going on that I detest, especially in commercial establishments. Everything is a chain.

[Jolly]

Songs take you back...

Try this one on:

Link to video

I was working a summer job down at the paper mill. Hard hat and steel -toed boots. A hundred degree day out on the woodyard was not unusual, but that was better than the wet end on the paper machine, where it could get to 130.

In the evening when I got home, my clothes would stink so bad from sweat and slaker from the mill, mama would make me strip down on the back patio. I didn't mind too much, the paper mill smelled like money...I was making almost $5/hr and that was grown man money, especially for onshore work.

Our crew started early. We'd punch in at the foreman's office about a quarter to seven and be working at 7am, sharp. That meant I'd have to leave home no later than 6:25, most mornings at a dead run.

Usually, I'd chunk one of Don William's 8-tracks in the deck, as I drove. Kinda got you in the mood for another hot day making liner board. So, I've heard that song above many times. Seemed right, since Don worked construction on that mill, as it was built.

I heard that old song today, driving down the road in my old truck. Ain't many people write them like that anymore...It's Southern poetry with a guitar. Lot in that tune I can relate to.

I started thinking about that old summer crew...A mixture of blue collar kids and college boys, working together, sometimes partying together. It was a good bunch of guys. Some guys, I've been friends with for many years. Some, I've lost all track of.

But at that time in our life and probably at this time in our lives ( for those of us still alive), I bet we could all relate to Williams' tune. That's where we came from and it's where most of us have ended up.

[taiwan_girl]

@Jolly good song

(and a good memory from you)