Falling in Love with Canadians

Appalachian Folklife Center
Shelly, Just wanted to share with you a sweet place in Pipestem, West Virginia if you are in that neck of the woods. It's called the Appalachian Folklife Center. The website for in-ticketing makes it look like a big venue, but it definitely is not. It's an incredibly sweet community activist site started by Hedy West's dad, Don West. My friend Ron and I got dropped off there once in a pouring rain while hitch hiking. Don took us (and a van full of other vagabonds) with him to the ML King March on WA in the 1980's. We visited Mennonite friends of his on the way and had similar experiences to yours with the Amish. Ron and I went back in subsequent years, and I still send them money when they write to me every few years. They have a deep appreciation for homemade music and common people pulling together. You can stay there for free, but you will have to do chores. The scenery is breathtaking. There's a muddy pond there Ron and I swam in with the tadpoles, frogs, snakes, and catfish. That pond is a place I go to in my mind where I see perfect happiness. Love from Carol

Why we thought you were the perfect guests
Dear Shelly and Jeff - well, here it is. Why you were the perfect guests: Apart from being friendly and casual, you were totally self-sufficient, you knew when we needed our space and never imposed yourselves. I had mentioned that we were going to be very busy but knew you would be able to take care of yourselves, at the same time, being available for a few meals so we could get to know you. I noticed that you had an uncanny way, both of you, of observing exactly how we did things (in the kitchen for example) and of doing the same, adapting yourselves to our ways, never imposing your ways. (I didn't rinse the dishes; you didn't rinse the dishes). you were considerate, clean, generous with your preparation of two delicious meals for us. You did not ask me for even an onion but went to the market and purchased all you needed and you never bothered me about anything when in the kitchen; you understood that when I said you could open any cupboard door, I meant it. You graciously enjoyed our meals when you joined us. You didn't mind being soaked to the bone on our way to Alec and Vickie's after the movie. I loved shopping with you at my favorite store and seeing you find such gorgeous apparel. You were my first globalfreeloaders and you gave a definite new definition to the word "freeloader". I have even more faith in global networks now and really feel we CAN make the world a better one by spreading friendship. It was a delight to meet you. With much love. Danie ps btw it should be : Tombes en amour... (with an accent aigu on the e but I don't know how to do it :))