I guess I better introduce myself

[awoke_in_2003]

A Little Weird has made me a new host of this group. Yep, a guy living in Texas hosting the Appalachia group. A little background may help. I was born in Steubenville, Ohio. Yes, a certain river separates Ohio from Appalachia. However, most of my family is from Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Most of my maternal grandfather's family still worked the coal mines in PA and WV. Both of my grandfathers escaped the mines because of WWII. After the war, my maternal grandfather became a Methodist minister, and my paternal grandfather went to work for USPS.

I spent a lot of time in the PA and WV hills, visiting family with my grandfather. They might not be the tallest mountains, nor the most beautiful, but they are mine. I have lived in Texas since 1992, and really look forward to coming back to visit home, hopefully in Autumn. That is a season we don't get down here, and I really miss it- the sights and smells. I still remember the time when we visited relatives in Virginia one October. Of course, we took in the Blue Ridge Parkway while we were at it. I have never seen anything as beautiful before or since.

I am honored that A Little Weird asked me to give being a host a try. I really would like to see us become a more active group. Please excuse me while I get used to this new role, and thanks for having me.

[A Little Weird]

1. Welcome awoke_in_2003!

There's no requirement for you to live in the area - just have an interest. You clearly have roots in Appalachia and I'm sure you will do great as a host. Thanks for being willing to give it a shot!

[awoke_in_2003]

2. Thanks...

Figured I'd give it a shot. I served as a moderator for 3 terms (including during the 2008 primaries) and did 2 terms on MIRT, so this just gives me another chance to serve.