The writings here are all about home. Not the house you live in or the lot you own, but home here in the Wyoming Valley of Northeastern Pennsylvania. If you have lived here all your life, you are lucky. If you have lived other places and just located here, you are very lucky. And, if you left here to live elsewhere and moved back, well, you are just plain smart.

This is a great place to live in every aspect. The land is largely unspoiled with more nature than city, but plenty of both. The seasonal weather gives variety without extremes. Good education is available from pre-school to graduate studies. Housing is affordable. Transportation is accessible through our highways and airports. There is an abundance of culture. It is just a perfect place to raise a family.

I love it here. I have lived here all my life. You might think that I have no other perspective, but I do. I have traveled around and met many different people. I like to ask people about their home and find their answers interesting. But, when I get back on that plane, I am always glad to look out the window and see the Susqehanna winding below.

Many who have always lived here are pretty darn hard on themselves. They think that there are no jobs, yet our unemployment rates are hardly worse than other areas. They should not complain about traffic when the average commute to work is 18 minutes. They should not say “there’s nothing to do” when the arts, entertainment and sporting venues increase surprisingly in their numbers every year. Now we have gambling!

We are a former coal town. We might not like to think of it still this way, but it defines us. At one time, coal mining was looked at as a hard, poor life. Well, that is precicely what has made us so strong. Take a look around the valley, though. The culm banks are disappearing to clear the land for better use. Take a look at the horizon. Windmills! We’re keeping the best of yesterday and ushering in good things for our tomorrows.

You all probably know someone who will complain about crime. Yet, one survey ranked our area the sixth most secure place to live in the country! It’s unrealistic and untrue to say we have no crime. Some areas really do have a problem. But when you have a beautiful white canvas, any small stain will show.

This blog is about the good things. If you want to read about the problems with our local government, don’t read this. We have our troubles, and those politicians are just such easy targets for local press! Hey, give them a break. They stepped up to the plate. Anyone who complains, needs to walk a mile in their shoes. I would rather focus on what they’ve done right! (But, that doesn’t mean I don’t have constructive criticism every now and then!)

So, whether you are lucky or smart, if you call Northeastern Pennsylvania home, read this blog for the good things.