This informative post will be posted on Saturday along with my usual writing.  You are invited to participate with the opening question.

Brain Teaser Question

You see a boat filled with people.  You look away and then look back, and the boat is still afloat.  However, you don’t see a single person on the boat?  Why?

(answer found at the end of this post)

Featured Facts

Totally located within the Appalachian Mountains, the American state of West Virginia is famous for its rolling hills and mountains.  

Here are some quick facts about West Virginia: 

• Capital City:  Charleston (most populated city with 51,400)
• State Flower:  Rhododendron
• Nickname:  Mountain State
• Motto:  Montani Semper Liberi (Mountaineers Are Always Free)

During the American Civil War, the state of West Virginia was carved out of the Confederate state of Virginia.  It was admitted to the Union on June 20, 1863 (just days before the famous battle at Gettysburg).  

In 1905, the Golden Delicious Apple originated in Clay County.  The oldest five and dime store in the United States is Berdine’s Five and Dime in Harrisville.  It opened its doors in 1908.

Visitors to the community of Moundsville have enjoyed the Grave Creek Mound.  It has remained the largest conical-type of prehistoric burial mound in the country.

top left:  grave creek mound site.  bottom left:  Berdine’s five and dime.  right:  Traditional rhododendron flowers.  (courtesy of pinterest)

Answer to Brain Teaser Question

All the people on board are married.