A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day...02-06-04....WVNan's West Virginia

WVNan, Mama_Bear

[Mama_Bear]

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day

Free Republic made its debut in September, 1996, and the forum was added in early 1997. Over 100,000 people have registered for posting privileges on Free Republic, and the forum is read daily by tens of thousands of concerned citizens and patriots from all around the country and the world.

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day was introduced on June 24, 2002. It's only a small room in JimRob's house where we can get to know one another a little better; salute and support our military and our leaders; pray for those in need; and congratulate those deserving. We strive to keep our threads entertaining, fun, and pleasing to look at, and often have guest writers contribute an essay or a profile of another FReeper.

On Mondays please visit us to see photos of A FEW OF FR'S VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY

If you have a suggestion, or an idea, or if there's a FReeper you would like to see featured, please drop one of us a note in FR mail.

We're having fun and hope you are!
~ Billie, Mama_Bear, dansangel, dutchess, Aquamarine ~

Please join us as we make a cyber-visit to another great state in this Union of ours. Today, WVNan is presenting her beautiful state of West Virginia. She has provided all the research, text and photos for this presentation. Thank you Nan, for showing us around your Fine state.

Over the past year each "Finest" hostess has profiled her home state and I have been presenting the other states in random order. Please FReepMail me if you would like to participate in spotlighting your state. I would love to have your input on what you would like to see highlighted.

These are the states we have presented to date:

05-23-03 Alabama 06-27-03 Maryland 07-11-03 Vermont 07-25-03 Utah 08-05-03 Texas 08-22-03 Nevada 08-26-03 Wash DC 09-05-03 Tennessee 09-17-03 Florida

09-19-03 Minnesota 10-03-03 New Mexico 10-14-03 Georgia 10-17-03 Louisiana 10-22-03 Michigan 11-04-03 South Dakota 11-14-03 California 01-09-04 South Carolina

As we present each of our 50 states we also salute the proud FReepers who call their state 'home'.

The Great Seal of West Virginia was adopted by the Legislature on September 26, 1863. The seal bears the legend, State of West Virginia, together with the motto, "Montani Semper Liberi" (Mountaineers Are Always Free) A farmer stands to the right and a miner to the left of a large rock bearing the date of admission to the Union, June 20, 1863. In front of the rock are two hunters' rifles with a Phygerian Cap, or "Cap of Liberty", resting at the cross of the rifles.

Click HERE to explore the eight
geographical regions of West Virginia.





The golden domed State Capitol in Charleston, WV.

West Virginia’s history is all about people – the ones who made their mark on the Mountain State, and the caretakers who have preserved their memories. The caretakers of West Virginia’s rich history bring the past to life for visitors through the reenactment of Civil War battles, the dramatization of historic events for theater audiences, the repair and reconstruction of important sites, and the careful retelling of events that have affected the state and the nation. Every region of the state has, in unique ways, captured moments in history, making it possible for visitors to step back in time. Many key sites are connected by easy-to-follow heritage trails that link places and events. You can walk the cobblestone streets of a town that looks as it did during the Civil War, tour a coal mine that was active in the 1890s, ride antique trains that once hauled timber from the hills, or visit the restored homes of world-famous West Virginians. History here is close, it’s personal and it’s accessible to anyone with a thirst for knowledge.

The pioneers of Western Virginia were a proud and rugged people, yet they are also a very religious people.

Baptizing in the river.

When the New England coal barons came to the mountains, many of the mountain men sold their soul to the company for empty promises. The exploitation kept most West Virginian families in poverty.

Along with the coal mining came the rape of the forests.

A typical coal town in 1920.

More than 200,000 acres of this great state have been set aside as state parks, forests and wildlife management areas. These sites offer West Virginians and visitors areas of pristine, scenic beauty, natural wonders, and historical significance as well as recreational enjoyment.

West Virginia State Park Tours




West Virginia is one of the premier states in the Eastern United States that offers all types of wilderness and outdoor adventures. World class whitewater rafting is found on the New River and the Gauley River. The lower New River is called the Grand Canyon of the East.

Seneca Rocks and the New River Gorge offer extreme rock climbing challenges. There are seven ski resorts in West Virginia that offer the finest skiing in the East, as well as Cross Country Skiing, Snowboarding, Sledding and Snow Tubing. Mountain Biking and Horseback Riding are popular, and who can resist the thrill of Base Jumping from the New River Gorge Bridge on Bridge Day?

Do you long for tamer pursuits? Check out the hundreds of mountain lodges, resorts, golf courses and fishing spots. Pamper yourself at the famous Greenbrier Resort. And, on your way home be sure and stop at the Tamarack near Beckley, WV and feast your eyes and your palate on West Virginia crafts and food, all under one roof.




West Virginia has been depicted as "hillbilly" country, and that is certainly true. We take those criticisms with humor and play into the stereotype when it benefits us. In that vein here are some pictures of the "other" West Virginia.

We hope you have enjoyed your brief trip through our beloved state. There are more adventures awaiting you in West Virginia. So pack up the car and the kids and plan the vacation of a lifetime in Wild and Wonderful West Virginia.

Have a nice FRiday and a great weekend!

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 02-02-04...Military Monday 02-03-04...February is Funnest at the Finest 02-04-04...Meet GailA's Freedom's Rocket! 02-05-04...JohnHuang2 - John's Two Cents

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' The guy's good, folks!

Thanks, Mixer!

1) Click on the graphic to open the Calendar.
2) Once there you can click on any month and even click to the right to go into next year. Once you are in the month that you joined FR you will need to click on the number in the calendar and then an add item screen will come up.
3) In the next box enter your name in the "Calendar Text" field and then click on submit.
4) If any of the screens fail to load simply click on refresh in your browser and that will usually fix it.
5) If all else fails or simply if you want me to do this for you send me a FReepmail and I will gladly do it for you. ~Mixer

Click on the photo to view the album. To
submit your photo, please contact dansangel or .45MAN danbh59@yahoo.com
and include Freeper Photo Album in subject line.

[Mama_Bear]

Would this be your little fiddle player. ;-)

What a cutie!

[Aquamarine]

Back when I had alot of storage I tried to upload a couple of Johnny Cash mp3's that tomkow6 sent me thru email and it just stalled out during the uploading stage due to not having enough storage.

[dutchess]

Hi again Lori, finest sistahs and Nan. Finally I can celebrate TGIF..Lori....again can't tell you how much I enjoy these threads...and it's great the way you include all the previous links. I also see you have Arkansas lined up! Great news!

Unfortunately I'm going to be AWOL most of the weekend....I'm treasurer of a local judge race...yard signs go up tomorrow LOL the ground is frozen solid with ice and snow...this should be interesting. "The guys" have supplied all of up "women" with cordless drills with long bits. I must remember to take my camera LOL! Then flight lesson #4 Sunday. I'm actually starting to enjoy this. Yikes!

Anyway, company coming...will try to stop back later. ((((((lori))))))) (((((((nan))))))))

[ST.LOUIE1]

Beautiful thread, beautiful state, and especially....two beautiful ladies.

Can't beat the combo. : )

[Mama_Bear]

Beautiful thread, beautiful state, and especially....two beautiful ladies.

Awwwwwwww........thank you, sweet wolfie. Welcome home. :-)

[Mama_Bear]

Hi sistah dutchess. Thank you for always taking time out of your busy day to say hello. :-)

[Mama_Bear]

Then flight lesson #4 Sunday.

BTW, have I told you how much I admire you for taking on this challenge? I admire you a WHOLE lot!!

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

Let's see some missiles!

040206-N-2970T-001 At sea aboard USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) Feb. 6, 2004 – Guided missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) fires a RIM-7 surface-to-air missile during a training exercise. The Navy uses the Sea Sparrow version aboard ships as a surface-to-air anti-missile defense weapon. The versatile Sparrow has all-weather, all-altitude operational capability and can attack high-performance aircraft and missiles from any direction. During the exercise, the missile intercepted a remote controlled, GPS-guided test drone. McCain and the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) participated in the missile firing exercise conducted to test the ships defensive capability. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate Airman Marvin E. Thompson Jr. (RELEASED)

040206-N-9222M-001 Aboard USS Essex (LHD 2) Feb. 6, 2004 - One of five BQM-74 test drones launches from the amphibious assault ship USS Essex's (LHD 2) flight deck during a missile firing exercise. The test drones are remote controlled, GPS-guided missiles. Essex and the guided missile cruiser USS John McCain participated in the missile firing exercise conducted to test the ships defensive capability. During the exercise, Essex fired three NATO Sea Sparrow anti-air missiles to intercept the drones. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate Airman Nicholas C. Messina. (RELEASED)

040206-N-2970T-002 At sea aboard USS Essex (LHD 2) Feb. 6, 2004 - USS Essex (LHD 2) launches one of the ship’s “Sea Sparrow” RIM-7 surface-to-air missiles during a training exercise. The Navy uses the Sea Sparrow version aboard ships as a surface-to-air anti-missile defense weapon. The versatile Sparrow has all-weather, all-altitude operational capability and can attack high-performance aircraft and missiles from any direction. During the exercise, the missile intercepted a remote controlled, GPS-guided test drone. Essex and the guided missile cruiser USS John McCain participated in the missile firing exercise conducted to test the ships defensive capability. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate Airman Marvin E. Thompson Jr. (RELEASED)

[Mama_Bear]

Lori....again can't tell you how much I enjoy these threads

I am glad you do. I have a lot of fun doing them, especially when I have people willing to work with me (and do all the parts I don't like to do, LOL).

[Mama_Bear]

Wow....those are some missles!

Thanks, makes me proud they are OUR missles. :-)

[WVNan]

OH YES! That is my baby. Isn't he adorable? Just think, he's looking forward to his first child now. Where did the time go?

[WVNan]

(((((((WOLFIE))))))!!!!! We miss you on a daily basis. The place is never the same without ye.

[dutchess]

Awe...Lori...thanks...read your freep mail too. Thanks....Think I need a double does of Soy... the homones are kicking in.... Love you sistah!

[WVNan]

dutchess, did you see my baby up there at #201? BTW, I am in awe of your nerves of steel to go up in that areoplane. I have little trust in mechanical things. A hang-glider I can see, but that motor has failure potential. Not to frighten you are anything....

[WVNan]

Okay, where'd everybody go?

[Mama_Bear]

Isn't he adorable?

He is! And he was actually playing the violin at three??? That's amazing.

[WVNan]

How about playing the mandolin at six months?

[Mama_Bear]

Hello kayak. Thank you so much for the nice words and for coming by today.

You have yourself a nice weekend. HUGS!

[WVNan]

Seriously MB, he started Suzuki Violin lessons at age 3. He played his first Bluegrass Festival at age 4, along with Bill Monroe, Ricky Scaggs, Flatt and Scruggs and many others. Cut his first album at age 8 along with his dad's band. He grew up "on the road" performing all over the country. He once played at the starting line for the Winston 500 at Talladega for 100,000 people. I think he was about 10. He is an Alabama Colonel and honorary member of the Montgomery Rebel Baseball team. He's an honorary Air Force Pilot and honorary Boomer. He has been entertained in the private Thunderbird room. It would take all night to list all the honors he received as a child. We have always been very proud of him. He's a good son, and hates it when I brag on him. But hey, that's what Mothers are for.

[Mama_Bear]

Wow!!! He has been blessed with a God given talent. I don't blame you at all for bragging on him, that is exactly what mothers are for!

I would love to hear his music. You're his mother, MAKE him put it back on his website. LOL! ;-)