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During our travels, we visited the romanticized Tuscany in Italy. Though the region possessed areas that had similar landscapes that could be found in areas of West Virginia, the view of the mountainous cascades and vineyards in Northern Italy left lasting impressions. All of which provided further curiosities about the origins of my ancestors.

European acquaintances flew in and purchased three Porsche Carreras to use for their travels throughout America. One of their stops was our home in West Virginia where they were very curious about a subject matter that we Americans never consider. While we, as well as many other Americans, are curious about the origins of our ancestors, these visitors' interests lay in where the descendants of Europeans ended up. Their histories and what they had achieved, how they lived, their chosen careers, etc.

Highlights of how we obtained all of our then wonderful toys. The same work habits, whereas my father would tell about my wife and I; "Those two built all from nothing".

Curiosities led some to view our overall home area as a living museum of sorts. Many visitors had questions about my grandfather, father, and me. While our home, auto building, and vintage automobiles sparked interest, it was our display of representative tools that captivated them, highlighting the legacy of European immigrant descendants. In this image you'll see some of those tools. On the left are my grandfather Battista's mining tools. On the right are tools from my experience as a lineman which I began using at the young age of 19.

Though Valerie is narrating the humorous video above, she'd also assist.

Though fascinated with the overall tool displays, my grandfather's farm plow and my lineman tools were of great interest. They wanted to know about all of it. My grandfather's farm, that once existed near U.S Route 50 and extended back to our home area's valley and both hillsides, and my early career as a lineman. The first image is my then 88 year old father with the farm plow that was pulled behind my grandfather's retired mine mule. We had new handles crafted from original wormy chestnut, said wormy chestnut was also original to my father's plow. The second image illustrates a small sled that was also my father's as a child."

(My wife with grandsons Battista and Jeremiah). Though our visitors were enamored with my grandfather's days in America, they were very interested in what the third generation of an original immigrant had also achieved. In other words, we wonder of where our Ancestors came from where foreign visitors wonder about what the Descendants of Immigrants had taken it in America. They were equally fascinated to learn that Valerie was the descendant of 1700's English settlers, and that her family still owned a remainder parcel of her ancestral properties in the same county that her forbearers settled. We were just a small sample of so many other West Virginia families.

(Granddaughters Eva and Rey above with Valerie). Some wanted to visit the Sago Mine Memorial which honored the coal miners lost on January 2, 2006, revealing a sadness which centered us all in the moment. The October 2, 2006 Amish school house shootings in Lancaster Pennsylvania had also made it to Europe. The reported bravery of the children and the Amish parents who'd later comfort the wife of the assailant would lead one visitor to get emotional. Another visitor took a keen interest in our family, a man who possessed a fascinating history with worldwide insights. My friend informed us that our new visitor was a prodigy as a young man whose first job had been to stabilize the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

The serendipitous meeting in West Virginia between the president of a large American Mercedes organization and Dirk, who has deep ties to the automotive legacy through his family's impressive history in the industry, symbolizes the rich connections between European automotive heritage and local culture. This visit not only celebrates the historical significance of figures like his father Wolf, who engineered iconic models like the Mercedes 300SL, and his brother, who innovated with the Audi Quattro, but also paved the way for potential collaborations that can bridge these legacies into our then hopeful new opportunities for our then community.

The goulash kettle and stirring spoon was personally delivered to us from Bogács, Hungary. Our friends carried on the plane to us as cherished reminders our successful time in Hungary, the Hungarian heritage and their rich culinary traditions, embodying the warmth and togetherness that comes from sharing meals and stories rooted in the past.

Dirk, Gretel and friend Keith.

Our friend illustrating precision to a most precise granddaughter. He later mentioned recent discoveries by an American and German engineer that provided insights into the age-old mysteries surrounding the construction of the Pyramids, drawing diagrams of such. We found this topic fascinating, where I later remark on the efficiency of Munich Airport over Paris's. Where we then learned had been designed by our new friend, further highlighting the innovative spirit that links both ancient and modern engineering marvels.

Bridgeport WV Water Tank Atop "Yoders Knob"

The video below features two ladies atop the Bridgeport City Water Tank hill where our friend was so proud that their Mercedes was adorned with the whimsical WV license plate of "Wild & Wonderful" above his wife's name. Their enthusiasm celebrated the charm and people of West Virginia, the area's unique landscapes and spirit.

Clarksburg WV - Ethnicity

Clarksburg WV, a village in West Virginia largely shaped by European immigrants which showcases distinct European characteristics where he offered valuable insights into restoration and rehabilitation efforts of said City. He represented a golden rod which would spread to other areas of WV. His interest in purchasing an initial building reflects a positive perception of this immigrant-built community, yet, as in the past with my friend, I found myself positioned as a trusted center point in these discussions. Despite the fascinating prospects I viewed as certain years prior, which we had worked years to develop. However, logistical and out side entities created life challenges which ultimately rendered these interests impractical both then and in the future. The reasons briefty touched upon next. Next - "Great For The State"

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