Well, I got a message that said I should introduce myself, so I guess I will...

[ShazzieB]

68. Howdy!

I have roots in East Tennessee, Chattanooga, to be exact. My mom was born and raised there, and I spent most of my childhood in the area. We moved to Illinois when I was 12 (62 years ago, I am old), and my lord, what a culture shock that was! But I eventually adapted, and I have lived in this state ever since, except for 3 years in NC back in the 80s (long story). I went to college here and married a guy from the Chicago area that I met in college, and I feel like a dyed in the wool midwesterner at this point in my life.

But I still feel a connection to Tennessee and always will. After my dad retired, my parents moved back to the Chattanooga area for the warmer weather and proximity to family. They settled in a rural area, just over the state line in GA (in what is now MTG's district *gag*). We visited numerous times over the years, and I had a lot of fun revisiting places I remembered from my childhood and sharing them with my husband, and later, my daughter.

My parents passed away a while back, and we haven't been down there since, but east Tennessee will always be a part of me. Especially the mountains, which I still miss.

Welcome to being a participating DU member, MLF1981, and may your stay be long and fruitful!