One of the best things about living in Pennsylvania is that we get to experience all four seasons. Sometimes, however, they occur nearly simultaneously.
In June, when summer began, the air in the morning was crisp and cool, so much so that a sweatshirt or sweater was required. About a week later, we hit temperatures in the high 90s. And then my two least favorite words in the English language: oppressive humidity.
Extreme weather fluctuations are common in Pennsylvania. Who remembers not too many years ago when we experienced a sudden snowstorm on Halloween? Conversely, I remember decorating the Christmas tree when the temperature outside was in the 70s. And then there was an Easter morning dusting of snow.
One of my favorite videos that has been shared on Facebook features a man from Pennsylvania who opens his front door to see a beautiful, warm and sunny spring day. He runs back inside, dons a pair of shorts, his favorite T-shirt and a pair of flip-flops. Minutes later, he returns to that same front door only to find that the ground is covered with snow.
A discussion about Pennsylvania would not be complete without mentioning all the foods that are distinctive to this neck of the woods. I have friends who live in the South, namely Georgia, and they have not heard of some of the foods that we enjoy, such as Lebanon bologna and shoo-fly pie. Other Pennsylvanian foods include whoopie pies, scrapple, chow-chow, pickled cabbage, soft pretzels, birch beer, chicken corn soup, chicken potpie, Philly cheesesteaks, apple butter, funnel cake, apple dumplings and fastnachts, as well as hoagies.
Those from outside the state also have no idea about the great Sheetz vs. Wawa debate that divides all of us who frequent convenience stores to purchase meals.
There is also what is known as Pennsylvania jargon or slang. For example, the Philadelphia Eagles are called "The Birds" and soft-cooked over-easy eggs are called "dippy eggs." Many of us don't visit New Jersey beaches in the summer; we go "down the shore."
Pennsylvania is also divided according to its eastern and western residents. There are intense rivalries between the sports teams from Pittsburgh and the teams from Philadelphia. Plus, those who live in the western part of the state drink pop; we drink soda.
Even though the state is known for its potholes, the tolls on the PA Turnpike and its not-so-nice fans at professional sporting events, do not miss an opportunity to experience all that the state has to offer. Pennsylvania includes many state parks and historic landmarks. We have the Pocono Mountains and hundreds of lakes and rivers and woodlands to enjoy. Local theaters are back open, as are concert and sports venues. PA is also home to the city of Philadelphia, where freedom was born.
One piece of advice for the summer: If you are dining outdoors with a soda and a hoagie from either Wawa or Sheetz, if you are walking along the beach down the shore or if you make a road trip westward to watch the Phillies play the Pirates, don't forget to keep your sweater or sweatshirt nearby.
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