I stand corrected

I received a message today from an anonymous reader saying that I had the wrong picture of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel as my intro. I stand corrected and have taken the picture off. Like I mentioned I was driving and I could not take pictures. I was just so excited to share this beauty that I didn't really see the name of the bridge. But this has given me a new place to aim for in Maryland. Thank you to my reader. I am excited I have a new place in my beautiful country to see in the future.

In this day an age of hard economic times, I am a big advocate of supporting your home country. When President Obama took over The White House, it was announced that he was going to decorate a few rooms with furniture MADE IN THE USA. I was stunned at the backlash that he received. Now, I am not a politician or like to debate policy or even create a lot of controversy, but this topic touched a chord with me. He was chastised for saying he was going to use pieces made in this country only. He was accused of protectionism. IT IS THE WHITE HOUSE FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!! Our White House, where our presidents have lived since the early1800's. Construction began in the late 1700's. I appreciate the gifts that have been received from around the world and are on display, but every permanent piece should be MADE IN THE USA, period end of story.

I know that it would be exciting to travel to other countries, but these 50 states are gems. Instead of Rome, Italy there is Rome. Georgia. Instead of Paris, France there is Paris, Illinois. London? It's in Ohio.

I am as guilty as the next person in having purchased products not made in this country in the past. I have a Nissan Sentra. I would trade it in and buy an American car, but I can't afford to do it now. But now when I go to the store and shop I really, and I mean really try to by products made in MY country. I have found light bulbs, kitchen throw carpets, thread and any produce or fish I can find at the grocery store. I was taught by my parents that the solution starts with you. One small purchase at a time. I love the way private labels try to trick you. The food labels say, "Distributed by City, USA". What are they distributing? A tanker full of imported product? We are all in this right now, buying foreign and working for foreign. Baby steps.

I admire my husband for trying to support the local farmer at the restaurant. Local tomatoes, apples and herbs. Yes, the products are more expensive, but it is worth it in so many ways.

We went to Cherokee, NC one time and I went around the shops to find Native American Pottery. When I looked at one of the clay pots on the bottom to see who made it, I was stunned. Made in China. It took several shops and asking around to find a true Cherokee made artifact. We went to the museum shop and I found a cutting board made in arrowhead motifs of different inlaid woods.

Here is the link to the shop:

http://www.cherokeemuseum.org/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=CM&Category_Code=W

This is a picture on the museum website of the cutting board I purchased. Absolutely beautiful. I can't bear to cut on it. I have it next to my stove with my spices on it. I can look at it every day.

My parents are immigrants and I am proud of that. We speak the language and eat the native foods in our house. I will never forget that. But my parents came here looking for all things USA.

I don't remember who told me this joke:

There were 3 Latinos trying to get to the USA. They hitched rides, walked the desert, had little food and water and swam across the Rio Grand. They were able to jump the fence and run into the night towards Los Angeles. Once they arrived in Los Angeles they asked their friends and family members where were the factories to get a job? One of their uncles answered them and said, "Hey man, didn't you hear? They moved to Mexico!

P.S. I am Latina.