On Being a Damn Yankee
I never really consider myself a yankee. To southerners, I definitely am. But I associate “Yankee” to New York because of their baseball team, and we’re deep in Red Sox country up here, where Yankee is practically a swear word. So, yankee is just not a word I’d use to describe myself. I’m more prone to say “New Englander.”
Anyway, folks in the south most definitely consider us to be Yankees up here in Massachusetts. While in Virginia with Randy’s family this past holiday weekend, we were in a Home Depot where Randy was checking out doors (for a new backdoor). They were talking about installation and material cost and when Randy told the guy we were from Massachusetts and would likely buy the door there, the sales guy said the door would be the same price up there, but then you’d have to pay all those taxes since we’re from “Taxachusetts.” Randy agreed with the guy then changed subjects. Meanwhile, I started stewing and asked what the state sales tax was in VA.
The sales guy said it was 5%…which, incidentally, is the same as Massachusetts.
Damn southerners.
Otherwise, I had a great time. Randy’s family is the sweetest with Charlene, Roger Ray, Enid, Ennis, and Grannie treating me so well, fattening me up with fried chicken, biscuits, macaroni and cheese, and chicken n’ dumplings (which to me just seems like the chicken and biscuits all cooked into a soup-like mess of yumminess).
But what would I know…I’m just a damn yankee.
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Us poor crazy Li’bruls!
Facts be told, MA taxes aren’t that high in relation to other states, especially well to do states.
It’s a leftover from the 70’s and 80’s when we had to dig ourselfs out of a hole.
In fact, when you factor in the Fee’s and property taxes you end up paying in NH, income taken away from you is just about the same.
That said, property values are much lower which is the real reason for flight to NH.
(directed from UH)
So Why is it that Karl keeps calling me a Yankee now? I grew up down in VA, my southern drawl comes out every time i talk with my family. But because Boston/Somerville is now my adopted home and I have lived here at total of 6 years this time and 2 before =8 years I am now a Yankee.
he clearly doesnt see or understand the fundamental differences for those of us born below the mason-dixon line!
Randy, take it as a compliment that Karl calls you a Yankee. In some parts of New England if you or any of your relatives EVER moved away you are considered an outsider for life. Karl was with me in one of those areas. Northern Maine, a world unto itself.
What this about Perry Mason and Jeane Dixon doing lines??
Hi Karl, Just wanted to post a comment .. after your wrath… Love to hear about all of your adventures.. Take my mind off of the mundane life of Carolyn.. with all my kids and work.! I really enjoy to hear about your scooter! Kevin is trying to install a windmill at our house to save “energy” somehow.. I think it’s going to end up costing more money in the long run.. oh an he also got some chickens so we dont’ have to “buy eggs” and he wants solar panels.. He’s driving me crazy! (I don’t see my fat ass getting on a scooter)