There is a local channel that many of us have here in Roanoke, and one that I actually stumbled upon by accident.

I subscribe to the very basic service from Cox Cable, which consists of only the first dozen or so channels in total (primarily the local channels and a few others).

So, I can flip through the channels to see what’s on can in less than 30 seconds. On a particularly dull TV watching evening I came upon WCOX (Channel 9) and noticed a familiar face.

It was Gene Marrano and his show, The Interview, where as the title states he simply interviews someone of local interest in the Roanoke Valley. Some years ago I proudly worked with Gene’s campaign when he ran (unsuccessfully) for a local political seat.

On this episode he was talking with Gwendolyn W. Mason of the Roanoke City Council, someone I knew virtually nothing about by the way. Other episdoes have featured local activists, authors, and politicians.

Great show, Gene, good to see you again and doing well.

In addition to this show there are others on WCOX (Channel 9) that I plan to talk about in the future as I’m able to watch them.

1 - City, Country, or the Best of Both

Traveling from city to country, and back, can easily be done in just a couple hours. Stop at an overlook along the Blue Ridge Parkway to have a picnic (even walk a few hundred yards further for more privacy) and come back to town for some shopping at Valley View Mall or to catch a new movie release.

2 - The Views

It seems that just about any outdoor (and many indoor looking out) spots around Roanoke offer some kind of view of the mountains. We can watch them change colors and become lively with the new season and all always occuring quietly in the distance.

3 - Traffic Takes on a New Definition

From having lived in Roanoke, my idea of even the worst kind of traffic just doesn’t hold a candle to an average day in a bigger city. I can drive home after work within about 10 minutes or so and even choose from multiple different routes, none of which require a speed above 35 mph.

What would you say is unique or special about Roanoke?

A few weeks ago, I saw a representative from a home security system company walking around in my neighborhood (Virginia Heights) in Southwest City. He told me that another residence a few houses down from me had been burglarized and that he was installing a new home security system for them.

He continued with a pitch for the product/service and after several moments I politely told him that I wasn’t interested. I’m not entirely convinced that a feeling of safety can be bought, but I do think the feeling can simply be a way of life.

He indirectly suggested that my mindset makes a little sense, at least up until the point your safety is jeopardized. Then what do I do?

I Feel Safe Living in This Area, Always Have

Occasionally when I get home in the evenings from work, and until dark, I leave my main front storm door unlocked and open. The outer sreen door is primarily made of glass and hardly poses much in the way of protection. But, my (indoor only) cat enjoys sitting by the door and taking a few peaks out into the big world.

More than one time I’ve even fallen asleep accidently with the doors open and unlocked, and the only disturbance I encountered was the next morning when my alarm clock went off.

And, during several weeks in the early Spring, I keep some windows in my house open all the time, including throughout the night, with only a weak window screen separating me from the outside.

Do I live in a bubble with unrealistic expectations that nothing bad will ever happen? I really don’t think so, because I am aware of the risks. I just live my life the best I know how.

Things do seem that simple to me.