Facts and Observations

"I will believe it when I see it"

Meaning: I highly doubt that could happen or is the case. The phrase implies that one would need to witness or see proof of such a thing to believe it. Examples:
"The kids said they're finished cleaning the garage, but I'll believe it when I see it". 
 "He's actually changed a lot since college. He's very nice now." B: "I'll believe it when I see it."

"Seeing is Believing"

Meaning:
Only physical or concrete evidence is convincing, as in She wrote us that she's lost twenty pounds,but seeing is 
believing. This idiom was first recorded in this form in 1639.



These phrases, have been a part of our Lexicon for centuries.  They reflect the very human trait of needing proof that something is true only after we can observe it for ourselves. 

I have worked on a lengthy post for several weeks (it is actually almost ready to go) but I have been mulling over how to introduce the topic in some very simple way.  One landed in my lap yesterday when my Faithful and Obedient and  I  Re-entered the Green Mountain State yesterday after three years in Utah and Colorado.

As we rode the Ferry from New York to Vermont the first thing that struck me was the incredible beauty of our beloved Green Mountains.  Seeing it again from that perspective reminded me of all the reasons we originally moved to Vermont.  It has incredible beauty and holds many special feelings ever since we honeymooned here 42 years ago.  However it did not take long to be reminded of some of the "interesting" and sometimes less romantic truths about this place. 

Our first stop was to Costco in Colchester Vermont to stock up on essentials (Bulk Paper goods, food items etc).  Vermont has but one Costco that is located about 40 miles from Canada.  It was once a hub for Canadians who at one time had no Costco's.  As we pulled into the parking lot we were excited to see Costco Gas Pumps.  You see Costco had tried for years to build a Gas Facility only to be rejected countless times by a State and local Government dedicated to stopping such development.  It was a hot issue when we left.  We both said "Yeah progress"! Oops not so fast, Costco had the pumps blocked and had a sign posted that said  they hoped they would open soon, pending winning a legal appeal in their battle to offer customers gas (like they do at virtually every other Costco in the US).  Yes progress comes slow in "Progressive" Vermont.

Next we entered Costco and the inside was like a standard Costco.  The layout and goods offered were like Costco's in Utah or Colorado but within about 10 minutes I made this comment to my Faithful and Obedient Companion:

"Where are the Children"? 

Like a reverse "Village of the Damned" movie there were only 3 or 4 children in the entire store.  Virtually all the customers appeared to be Social Security recipients.  Now in Colorado or Utah the store was primarily filled with young families (Especially Utah) with infants and young children in tow.  Not Vermont.  Out of curiosity a few minutes ago I checked average age by State, Vermont is 49th (followed only by Maine).  Not surprisingly Utah was the youngest state.  Colorado was about 10th.

We talked about this observation at some length, recalling past discussions about the outflow of younger residents who saw little in the way of long term  economic prospects in this high tax, highly regulated state.  We recalled how we always kidded that Out of State students at UVM attracted by it's "progressive history" never leave, while in state students, pack up and leave the day after graduation.  Funny how a simple visit to Costco reinforced that feeling.  Offering "telecommuters" to relocate here for $10,000 (a recent publicity move by the State Government) will do little to reverse that trend.

On a more positive note about "seeing is believing".  The assurances from our property manager that our Condo was in good shape after three years were certainly true.  While the place had some gritty nooks and crannies overall it was not much different then when we left it.  After a few days of elbow grease etc. any of my blog followers looking to visit us while we are here are more than welcome!  Come see for yourself!

Until Next time

Adieu

PS "Fact Check" Bottom Growth States/US Places per Wikipedia
The following registered negative growth.

The Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico had a devastating hurricane!


48 Illinois 12,830,632   12,802,023−0.22%
49 Vermont  625,741          623,657−0.33%(50
) Northern Mariana Islands  53,833  53,467−0.68%
50 West Virginia  1,852,994      1,815,857−2.00%(54)
 American Samoa 55,519          54,194−2.39%
(55) United States Virgin Islands  106,405   102,951−3.25%
(56) Puerto Rico 3,725,789     3,337,177−10.43%