Hello from Rain-Soaked South Florida

[Fralphog]

Howdy from out west-Idaho. Welcome!

 

[OldRocko]

Those conditions really only exist in the lower income areas and larger inner city. Its really not that bad here.

In every city and state we find areas that are thriving, while others are struggling. Some regions have it harder than others, but glad to know its not all bad news in Alabama.

 

[OldRocko]

Howdy from out west-Idaho. Welcome!

Hi there Fralphog!

 

[OldRocko]

OldRocko, I got here when N.C. said tobacco was king, and it is still a major cash crop, but not like then. The big auction barns where the farmers used to sell their crop are mostly gone, along with the fall festival that went with them. Cotton, soy beans, and other crops have taken over a lot of what used to be tobacco fields. Most of the tobacco farmers sell under contract to the big companies. Research Triangle Park, big pharma, Charlotte's banking industry, and now a major Toyota plant are major businesses and industries.

Its good that despite the changes and the hardship they bring, NC has developed new industries and sources or revenue. From what I understand the state has a healthy mix of agro, healthcare, financial, education, and industrial/manufacturing, as well as tourism. Many states have had a hard time pulling that off. Plus you’ve got a good location, seacoast and mountains, and mild winters. If I’d started my Co at this time, NC would have been location I would have strongly considered. At this juncture were established in FL and further growth would likely entain branching near the West Coast of the US. Im looking forwards to visit though when I have a chance!

 

[OldRocko]

Welcome from Oregon

Thanks Romaso. How’s the weather in the Pacific NW? I suppose it must get darn cold if away from the ocean. Have driven through Oregon a couple of times. Regretfully not much time to get to know it, other than the coast. Very rich in nature your state is. Look forwards to exploring it one day.

 

[Ag®o]

Hello and Welcome from Italy, cheers!

 

[OldRocko]

Hello and Welcome from Italy, cheers!

Hello Agro, Thank you. What region of Italy are you in?

 

[Ag®o]

I live in Lombardy, in Bergamo (between Brescia and Milan). Cities that always run, so it's nice to sit down and have a good smoke

 

[OldRocko]

Yes, Bergamo, by the foot of the Alps, with wonderful views of the valley and the mountains. You very are fortunate to live and experience the beauty and culture of Northern Italy (and Europe). I travel to the continent every so often, but not often enough. My family is originally from Spain, but migrated to the Americas during the war. We have long history working with Piaggio and many other Italian manufacturers for many decades. Please enjoy a good caffe and a pleasant smoke while thinking of your fellow American pipe smokers. Ciao!

 

[romaso]

Thanks Romaso. How’s the weather in the Pacific NW? I suppose it must get darn cold if away from the ocean. Have driven through Oregon a couple of times. Regretfully not much time to get to know it, other than the coast. Very rich in nature your state is. Look forwards to exploring it one day.

Cold & rainy now, for us at least. Yes, lots of beautiful nature, but we do have some strange wildlife...

 

[Dudditz]

Welcome aboard from New Jersey!

 

[OldRocko]

Cold & rainy now, for us at least. Yes, lots of beautiful nature, but we do have some strange wildlife...

View attachment 114569

Spritz bottles, leaf blowers, lots of rain gear: Is this an over-eager landscaping crew ??? Lots of nasty fumes from those screaming 2-Cycle motors. Helps explain the gas-mask guy. Either that, or he's fashioned the most wind-proof tobacco pipe in the planet.

 

[OldRocko]

Welcome aboard from New Jersey!

Thank you Dudditz, nice to be here. How's the weather in the NE?

 

[Dudditz]

Thank you Dudditz, nice to be here. How's the weather in the NE?

Not too bad. Next day or two might be record breakers for December warmth...waiting for the other shoe to drop and a blizzard to hit.

 

[Staggerlee]

Hello from Clearwater Florida

 

[jpmcwjr]

 

[OldRocko]

Hello from Clearwater Florida

Hello, neighbor on the West FL Coast